Special Forces in the Swiss Army provided with new gear

(CONNECT) In 2025, the Grenadier Battalion 30 completed a refresher course using the Modular Clothing and Equipment System (MBAS) for the first time. According to a press release issued by the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, all members of the Special Forces Command, including both professional military personnel and militia forces, have now been provided with the MBAS.

The Swiss Army has been gradually re-equipping its troops since the fall of 2023. The new gear includes a total of 148 items that can be combined in modular fashion, ranging from overalls and basic carrying unit belts all the way through to combat backpacks, protective vests and hydration systems.

The rollout of the new equipment is being staggered. After the professional military, in 2026 attention will turn to kitting out schools, detachments and competence centers, depending on the availability of equipment. According to the information, the supply of equipment from manufacturers to armasuisse or the army's logistics base will be crucial in this regard.

The procurement process for the MBAS was subject to a public tender, which was ultimately awarded to both Swiss and foreign companies. In Switzerland, the companies Altra Management, E. Schellenberg Textildruck, Cilander and Schoeller Textil were chosen to manufacture the camouflage fabrics, while Utexbel from Belgium and NT Majocchi from Italy participated as well.

Workfashion.com and Cross Fashion were selected to produce weatherproof clothing, accompanied by Goldeck Textil GmbH from Austria, Ziegler Textil from Germany, Unifeq Sp. Z.o.o. from Poland and Qualiance Pvt. Ltd. from India. Albiro plays a part in the production of the camouflage and overalls, as well as Cross Fashion Ltd. from Great Britain, with SSZ Equipment involved in the development of the ballistic body armor together with Seyntex N.V. from Belgium. The latter is also responsible for the new hydration system. ce/mm