LCTE EW: reusing rapier components for training purposes
Short
The Rapier air defense system, introduced into the Swiss Army in the 1980s, has gradually lost its military significance. With the 2020 Armed Forces message, Parliament decided to decommission the system. Instead of completely phasing it out, it was decided to reuse parts of the system for training purposes.
As part of the DDPS innovation spaces, armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T), under the direction of Jens Rehanek, developed the innovation expedition Low Cost Trainings Emitter Electronic Warfare (LCTE EW). At its core is the Rapier system’s search radar, which will simulate ground-based threats during training flights and thereby enhance the training of fighter jet and helicopter crews. The LCTE EW promises significant cost savings compared to commercial alternatives and is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2025.
