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Rheinmetall upgrading Swiss air defense system

Rheinmetall contracted to upgrade Switzerland's Oerlikon Skyguard air defense system.

By Richard Tomkins
A Swiss air defense system, Oerlikon Skyguard, is to be modernized by Rheinmetall Air Defense. Photo courtesy Rheinmetall
A Swiss air defense system, Oerlikon Skyguard, is to be modernized by Rheinmetall Air Defense. Photo courtesy Rheinmetall

DUSSELDORF, Germany, May 19 (UPI) -- Switzerland's 35mm Oerlikon Skyguard air defense system is to receive an upgrade from Rheinmetall Air Defence AG of Zurich.

The upgrade is to be conducted through 2019 and involve modernization of the fire control system and guns and an overhaul of associated command and control systems.

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The work by Rheinmetall Air Defense, a subsidiary of the Rheinmetall Group of Germany, will extend the life of the system to at least 2025, Rheinmetall said.

The specific value of the contract from the Swiss federal procurement agency was not given but is said to be seven figures.

Some work on the project has been assigned to Switzerland's RUAG Aviation at the request of Swiss authorities.

Earlier this year the government had deferred plans to procure a new air-defense system pending a comprehensive review of the requirements.

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