With IMESS, the Swiss Army has one of the world’s most powerful and high-tech soldier systems at their disposal. By employing more efficient and powerful components – many of them newly developed – various capabilities have been optimised: tactical command-and-control capabilities from company level to individual soldier level have been improved through the integration of combat vehicles, including computer and radio connections.
Radio communication has been optimised through increased range and new, standardised radio equipment. The use of head/helmet mounted displays provides a clearer situational picture and enables simpler navigation. The night fighting and reconnaissance capabilities could also be expanded. A modular architecture provides numerous standard interfaces to sensors, such as a thermal imaging device, as well as modules for link-up with external systems, such as unmanned aircraft. The weight and energy balance of the equipment was significantly improved.
