Securiton AG has become the new official supplier to the Swiss Armed Forces. Within the next three years, it will deliver eight UewSyst surveillance systems to the Armed Forces for object protection. The corresponding procurement contract was signed in Bern between the Defence Procurement Agency of the Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DPS) and the Board of Directors of Securiton AG.
UewSyst is a solution developed by Securiton in cooperation with the Armed Forces – in this case, the Defence Procurement Agency (GR) and the Federal Office for Combat Troops (BA.KT) – to meet the demands of sophisticated, modern surveillance systems. This was set out in the Federal Council’s message on the Armaments Programme 2001 and is detailed below:
Required properties
The monitoring systems for object protection are intended to support and relieve troops in securing and guarding objects. These are modular and mobile systems. They consist of evaluation and alarm centres as well as personal control units, detectors and video cameras. The systems are suitable for all weather conditions, can be operated autonomously and are suitable for both day and night use. Monitoring an area of around 600 metres is possible, which can be enlarged to around 2,800 metres when additional modules are used and two systems are coupled together. This makes it possible to constantly monitor activities and changes in a defined security zone and to react immediately, purposefully and proportionately in the event of a threat.
The surveillance systems for object protection will significantly improve the range of uses for infantry formations on operations supporting livelihoods. As such, they are an important exponent of shifting the army’s range of operations in conflict types below war thresholds.
Test passed with flying colours: UewSyst becomes a major project
UewSyst meets all of the requirements listed in the Federal Council’s message. This has been confirmed in troop tests and is also reflected in practical operations. The system has been used for almost two years in Kosovo, where Swisscoy soldiers are successfully securing Camp Suva Reka with a UewSyst pilot plant.
Not least because of these successful tests, Securiton AG is now able to deliver eight of its UewSyst systems to the Swiss Armed Forces together with a training system worth CHF 62 million in total. The corresponding procurement contract was signed in Bern between the Defence Procurement Agency of the Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DPS) and the Board of Directors of Securiton AG, represented by Samuel Spreng and Hans Winzenried.
At the beginning of March this year, the ten-strong UewSyst team from Zollikofen will be relocated to its new location in Münchenbuchsee. It will now begin the implementation of the major project launched with the signing of the contract. The schedule foresees that the surveillance systems will be introduced from 2004 as part of the Armee XXI project.
Modular design makes the UewSyst mobile and flexible
UewSyst consists of four standardised containers. This makes it easy to transport in its entirety. Two of these containers have been converted into fixed modules; the monitoring centre and personal control module. The other two modules are taken up by video and route monitoring. Their components are stored in the third and fourth containers for transport. Thanks to the simple installation and use of other modules, UewSyst can be adapted to different or more expansive terrain and also to changed security requirements, which underlines its outstanding flexibility.
The four UewSyst modules in detail:
Monitoring centre module (UZM)
All detectors used in UewSyst transmit their signals/alarms to the central control unit installed in the monitoring centre container (UZC), which consists of a security management system (SLS), a programmable logic controller (PLC) as well devices for image storage, control and display. Using these devices, the security team evaluates the alarms received, processes them and, if necessary, initiates an intervention. In addition, the security personnel can constantly monitor the surroundings using the video images they receive from the corresponding cameras.
Video surveillance module (KAM)
Using the monitoring and observation cameras of the KAM, movements in the area around the inner protection zone are detected and recorded. The cameras (observation) can be operated via remote control from the monitoring centre container.
Sensor module (SEM)
In the SEM, movements in the outer protection zones are detected using open-field and fence monitoring sensors and forwarded to the monitoring centre container.
Personal control module (PKM)
Controlled access to the protected zone is ensured with the PKM. The personal control container (PKC) uses metal detectors, video image recognition, finger scanners and baggage x-ray equipment. Separate access to the inner protection zone is ensured by the personnel locks with weighing platform.
Improved object protection thanks to UewSyst technology
The modular, electronic UewSyst system makes it possible to entrust technology with large numbers of personnel-intensive military surveillance activities. This enables the troops to improve the quality of their active protective measures in the installations, embassy buildings and other important buildings for which they are responsible.