Cost and Timeline Uncertain

The Swiss Army Faces Challenges in Implementing a Robust Logistic System

Security policymakers received a document yesterday in which the army answered questions about a logistics system, stating that no concrete time and cost estimates could be provided at this point.

Background

In October, SRF reported on military IT projects titled: “Swiss Army without crisis-proof logistics until 2035.” The investigation focused on the introduction of SAP software for army logistics. Following concerns raised by policymakers, the Federal Department of Defense (VBS) published a clarification and later responded to written questions from security policymakers. However, the responses, written in complex German, were far from reassuring. The army stated that it is currently unable to provide conclusive answers on the duration and cost of implementing a system for “robust and resilient military logistics.” They also clarified that the reference to 2035 pertains to overall war logistics, not just ICT but also infrastructure and stockpiling.

Challenges Faced by the Swiss Army

About twenty years ago, the army aimed to automate its entire logistics using SAP software. In 2019, the Federal Council decided that the VBS should develop two systems: a civilian one and a detachable, mission-critical system. However, the latter cannot be implemented as planned with SAP software due to its inability to operate in a detachable manner. This realization was made by the army in 2022, as stated in the document provided to the Security Policy Committees.

The financial committees were subsequently informed of the risk of an “incomplete mission-critical SAP architecture.” This risk does not involve IT processes but rather constructions, infrastructures, real estate, stockpiling, and more. The project status was marked as “red” for transparency, according to the army. The Swiss Federal Audit Office also recommended in its May 2023 report that a system specifically for mission-critical processes be implemented in a new project.

Future Plans and Timeline

Over the next two years, a study will determine the costs and duration of implementing the planned logistics system. The army mentioned that the “commitment credit for implementation” will be presented to Parliament once the necessary preparatory work is completed. Planning and construction of the system are set to commence in 2027. The complete war logistics system is expected to be implemented by the mid-2030s, aligning with the previous report criticized by the army.