Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT) Defense has secured a significant contract to supply Sturmgewehr 25 assault rifles to the Swiss Armed Forces. This cutting-edge firearm is based on LMT’s Modular Ambidextrous Rifle System – Light (MARS-L) and will be modified specifically for the Swiss military. The new rifle will chamber the 5.56×45-millimeter cartridge and will be available in both 12 and 16-inch variants, as reported by the German news agency Soldat & Technik.
While LMT has not disclosed the financial details of the deal, including the total value or the quantity of rifles to be supplied, the company has announced that it will collaborate with Swissloxx, a defense contractor based in Dietikon, to fulfill this project. This partnership suggests a commitment to integrating local expertise in the development and delivery of military equipment.
The Sturmgewehr 25 rifles are intended for use by the Swiss military’s special forces units, which currently rely on the Sturmgewehr 90 and its updated variant, the Sturmgewehr 07. The introduction of the Sturmgewehr 25 is expected to enhance the capabilities of these elite units. LMT has previously supplied the Swiss military with heavier variants of its Modular Ambidextrous Rifle System, including the Sturmgewehr 20 scoped assault rifle, which has been delivered to specialized groups such as the 10th Armed Forces Reconnaissance Detachment, responsible for special missions and counter-terrorism operations, and the Special Detachment of the Military Police tasked with domestic security.
This new contract aligns with Switzerland’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities. The Swiss government recently launched its inaugural Embraer Global 7500 long-range multimission aircraft as part of a broader initiative aimed at improving military and federal transport. Furthermore, in November 2024, Bern announced its decision to adopt the Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155-millimeter artillery system as the primary weapon for the Piranha IV wheeled armored vehicle used by its armed forces. Six months prior, the Swiss government had also opened bidding for advanced medium-range ground-based air defense systems, underscoring its commitment to enhancing the operational effectiveness of its military forces.