Development
In contrast to other European nations, the Swiss army was late to establish it's own antiaircraft defense division. It was only after tensions within Europe noticeably grew and the National Socialists within the German Reich gained power, that Switzerland decided to procure equipment for antiaircraft defense (Flab). During WWII, antiaircraft defense (Flab) was further expanded with Swiss made equipment. The success of the Flab remained modest throughout the war as only ten foreign aircraft were shot down.
Based on the lessons learned of WWII, rapid and comprehensive modernization of Swiss Flab commenced during the Cold War. Radar systems for target detection and tracking were procured to combat enemy air targets even in poor weather conditions. New powerful light and medium artillery against fast and low-flying aircraft were developed by the Swiss defense industry. At the end of 1960, the Swiss army integrated their air defense system with a BL-64 Bloodhound long-distance guided missile system, Mirage IIIS combat aircraft as well as a Florida mission control system, which were unrivaled in Europe.
Up to the mobilization of WWI, the Swiss army was not equipped with a military airforce. On July 31, 1914, captain of the military general staff, Theodor Real was appointed head of the intelligence office and tasked with establishing his own airforce. Luckily, corporal Oskar Bider, who was immediately drafted for duty, was acquainted with an array of pilots who owned their own aircraft. Bider himself enlisted with his own Blériot XI b.
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