Why did Switzerland ground its M113 fleet again?

Inspections found a side-drive defect that can cause loss of steering and braking. This is the second grounding since 2023, so authorities acted to protect crews and the public. The halt allows deeper inspections, engineering fixes, and planning for safe reactivation or phased replacement where needed.

What role does armasuisse DDPS play now?

armasuisse, within the DDPS, leads defense procurement. It will likely coordinate inspections, engage suppliers on fixes, and consider RFIs or RFPs for upgrades or replacements. The focus is safety evidence, delivery risk, lifecycle support, and transparent competition under Swiss procurement rules.

Could this speed up defense procurement?

Yes. A repeated safety risk often compresses early steps like market research and RFIs. armasuisse DDPS may fast-track data gathering on lead times, support, and costs. Larger programs still require Federal Council proposals and parliamentary approval, but technical urgency can shorten initial timelines.

What are the near-term impacts on readiness?

With all 238 vehicles grounded, training plans and maintenance priorities shift. Units may rely more on simulators or other platforms, and spare parts analysis intensifies. This raises workload for MRO teams, extends turnaround times, and can reduce availability until validated fixes enable partial returns to service.

Law and Government

Swiss M113 Fleet Grounded Again: Safety Risk May Hasten RFPs – February 11

ByDanny Kontos February 11, 2026February 11, 2026

The Swiss Army M113 fleet was grounded again after inspections flagged a side-drive defect that can cause loss of steering and braking. This is the second fleet-wide halt since 2023. For investors, the repeat safety risk around the Swiss Army M113 points to faster inspections, targeted retrofits, or staged replacement via armasuisse DDPS. We outline what this means for defense procurement, near-term MRO demand, and potential RFI or RFP activity that could shape Swiss industry participation and supplier pipelines.