Florako, the Swiss air forces’ new air defense and air operations command-and-control system, went live at the start of February.

Wednesday March 24, 2004

The FLORAKO System entered operational service on 2 February after successfully completing final tests and operating in parallel alongside the old FLORIDA air defense system. FLORAKO is an all-new system comprising Master surveillance radars, a data and communication system, a new air picture generation and airspace management system, and new control Air Command and Control Center.

This capability gives the Swiss air forces and Skyguide, the service providers responsible for military air safety, a modern system for monitoring airspace to meet increased civil and military air navigation requirements.

"Congratulations to ThalesRaytheonSystems for achieving this significant milestone, said A
rmasuisse Program Manager, Hans-Peter Hulliger: "FLORAKO will significantly enhance Switzerland's Airdefense Capability and safety in the Airspace".

The entry into service of this System marks the most important acquisition milestone in the project. The System’s development will continue as new features are phased in progressively up to 2006.

FLORAKO System was acquired under the 1998 / 1999 weapon system procurement programs. Acquisition cost is 728 million Swiss francs and the construction budget 95 million Swiss francs.

ThalesRaytheonSystems is the worldwide leader in the supply of air defense, battlefield surveillance and coordination systems, ground-based radars and related operation centers. Annual revenue is approximately 700 million dollars with nearly 1,300 employees.

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