8 PIRANHA IIIC 8×8 Electronic Warfare Vehicles (EWVs) for the Swiss Army

Mowag AG, KREUZLINGEN, Switzerland: On 20 December 2005, the Kreuzlingen-based technology enterprise MOWAG GmbH received an order from armasuisse for the production of eight PIRANHA IIIC 8×8 vehicles as platforms for the Integrated Radio Surveillance and Transmitter System. The vehicles will be produced in Kreuzlingen and delivered to armasuisse by the end of 2007. 
 
Information and communication are absolutely essential for both military and civilian command. The increasing mobility, flexibility and the modern communications technology demand an infrastructure which provides on time reliable information. With the EWVs it is possible to intercept wireless communications, to locate and, where necessary, to influence such communications. 
 
The EWVs can be applied in cooperation with the subsidiary support of civilian authorities, with the airspace security and defence operations, as well as for peace-keeping missions. Within the scope of the Defence Procurement Program 2005, parliament approved the procurement of eight state-of-the-art Electronic Warfare Vehicles on the basis of the worldwide successful MOWAG PIRANHA IIIC 8×8. 
 
The selection of the PIRANHA IIIC as platform for this system is further proof of the close partnership with the Swiss Army as well as its trust in the reliability of the PIRANHA. It is further to be said that currently more than 850 vehicles of the PIRANHA family in numerous configurations are in service with the Swiss Army. In addition to the development, production and delivery of this new Electronic Warfare Vehicle, including the logistic support, MOWAG will also be responsible for the critical additional role of system integrator.  
 
Background Notes and Information:
 
The PIRANHA IIIC 8×8 is 7.2 m long and 2.66 m wide. It can travel on-road at speeds of up to 100 km/h. Gradients of up to 60% and fording depths up to 1.4 m are easily mastered by the PIRANHA IIIC. The 400 HP engine in combination with a 7-speed automatic transmission, modern independent wheel suspension, tire inflation system and engageable all-wheel drive provide the PIRANHA with an exceptional high level of mobility in extreme off-road conditions. In addition, the ballistic protection provides best possible protection for the crew in operational theatre. The vehicle is fitted with all essential equipment (NBC system, auxiliary power unit, air conditioning), as required for a 24 hour operation of the Electronic Warfare Vehicle. 
 
MOWAG GmbH of Kreuzlingen develops, designs, and manufactures technologically advanced special vehicles for military use. Far more than 10,000 armoured wheeled vehicles of the MOWAG PIRANHA, MOWAG EAGLE, and MOWAG DURO series are fielded all over the world. Since October of 2003, MOWAG is part of the General Dynamics European Land Com