Swiss army's new special unit: horses and drones
The Swiss army is experimenting with horse patrols and drones for remote area surveillance. Discover how this innovation is changing national defense.
Contesto
In brief - The Swiss army combines horses and drones for special patrols - Horses have been used for over a century, but now with modern technology - Around 16 recruits per year are trained as patrol riders ## Key facts - What: Special unit with horses and drones - When: Program ongoing since 2026 - Where: Primarily in the Bern region, Schönbühl - Who: Swiss army - Amount: 300 horses currently in service The Swiss army is experimenting with a new special unit that combines traditional and modern technologies: horse patrols with surveillance drones. This innovative combination was recently presented, showing how horses, used since the inception of the Swiss army, can be paired with the latest technologies, such as drones. Drones have become an integral part of modern warfare, just as horses were in the past. A small group of young recruits is learning to use both as part of a special training program. These recruits carry out patrol and surveillance tasks, where the interaction between the quadruped and the drone must be practiced. A young recruit stated that the horse must get used to the drone, as initially everything new scares it. Together with a colleague, she is carrying out a reconnaissance mission at the edge of the forest. With the help of the horses, areas that would otherwise be difficult to access are monitored. Thanks to the drones, the covered area is further extended. ### The historical use of horses in the Swiss army The Swiss army has been using horses for a long time. A hundred years ago, the armed forces had tens of thousands of animals. Today, they have only 300. They are mainly used for surveillance of certain locations, for example, critical infrastructures with a large perimeter, such as Zurich Airport, where there are not many easily passabl...
Dettagli operativi
Implications for national security and defense The introduction of this new special unit has important implications for Swiss national security and defense. The combination of horses and drones allows for more efficient and flexible coverage of remote and difficult-to-access areas. This is particularly useful for monitoring critical infrastructure such as Zurich Airport, where horses can move quickly and quietly over rough terrain. ### Comparison with traditional technologies While horses have been used for centuries, drones represent a relatively new technology. The ability of drones to operate at night thanks to thermal cameras offers a significant advantage over traditional patrols. This allows for the monitoring of vast and remote areas without the need for artificial lighting, reducing the risk of detection. ### Practical scenarios A practical example of how this new unit could be deployed is the surveillance of forested or mountainous areas. Horses can easily navigate rough terrain, while drones can provide an aerial view and identify potential threats. This combination allows for a rapid and coordinated response to any dangerous situation. ### Comparison with the previous situation Before the introduction of this new unit, the Swiss army primarily relied on foot patrols or vehicles for the surveillance of remote areas. The use of horses and drones represents a significant step forward, improving the efficiency and coverage of surveillance operations. This change reflects the evolution of military technologies and the adoption of innovative solutions to address the challenges of modern security. ## Useful tools to protect your net income To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.
Punti chiave
What to do if you are involved in a surveillance operation If you are involved in a surveillance operation conducted by this new special unit, it is important to follow the instructions of the authorities. Horses and drones are advanced tools that require specific training to be used effectively. Trained recruits know how to interact with horses and drones to ensure the safety and efficiency of operations. ### Procedure to become a patrol rider To become a patrol rider, you need to follow a special training program. Each year, about 16 recruits are selected and trained to use horses and drones. This training includes horse management, drone use, and coordination between the two technologies. Recruits must be able to operate in difficult conditions and respond quickly to dangerous situations. ### Useful tools For more information on how to become a patrol rider or to learn about the surveillance operations conducted by the Swiss army, you can use the career opportunities calculator. This tool provides details on how to join the Swiss army and the training opportunities available. ### Conclusion The introduction of horse patrols with drones represents a significant step in the evolution of Swiss military technologies. This combination of traditional and modern technologies offers a strategic advantage in the surveillance of remote areas and national defense. For those interested in joining this new special unit, it is important to follow the training procedures and use the available tools to obtain the necessary information. Source: tvsvizzera.it
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How are recruits trained to use horses and drones?
- Recruits follow a special training program that includes horse management, drone use, and coordination between the two technologies. Each year, about 16 recruits are selected and trained to become patrol riders.
- What are the advantages of using horses and drones together?
- Horses can move quickly and quietly over rough terrain, while drones allow for nighttime surveillance of the area using thermal cameras. This combination offers greater efficiency and flexibility in monitoring remote areas.
- Where are recruits trained to become patrol riders?
- Recruits are primarily trained in the Bern region, in Schönbühl, where riders and horses are prepared for surveillance operations.