Executive Summary

The National Alarm Center (NAZ) of the Federal Office for Civil Protection (BABS) will conduct its annual aeroradiometric measurement flights from June 15 to 18, 2026. A Super Puma helicopter of the Swiss Air Force will map radioactive radiation at approximately 90 meters altitude over several regions of Switzerland. The campaign includes measurements around the Beznau and Leibstadt nuclear power plants, the Zwilag interim storage facility, and the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, as well as exercise modules in geologically and demographically interesting areas. Flights will take place between 8:00 and 17:00 to minimize noise pollution.

Persons

  • ENSI (Contractor; Nuclear Safety)

Topics

  • Nuclear safety and radiation measurement
  • Civil protection
  • Airborne measurement methods

Clarus Lead

The measurement campaign is part of the regulatory monitoring routine to ensure the operational readiness of measurement teams and equipment. The Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate ENSI commissions the flights around nuclear facilities to establish long-term reference data on radioactivity and to enable rapid response in case of emergency. The broader measurement campaign with geological and regional measurements also enables a nationwide baseline for radiation background – a prerequisite for detecting anomalous values.

Detailed Summary

Aeroradiometry measures radioactivity from the air using specialized measurement technology. The Super Puma helicopter employed will fly in parallel paths at approximately 90 meters altitude to obtain precise spatial measurement data. On June 17, 2026, the environments of the Beznau and Leibstadt nuclear power plants, the Zwilag interim storage facility in Würenlingen, and the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI in Villigen will be specifically overflown.

In addition to nuclear power plant monitoring, the campaign includes several specialized measurement modules: geological measurements in the Gotthard Massif, measurements in populated regions around Baar–Wädenswil–Einsiedeln, a background measurement over Lake Zurich, and technical measurement flights in the regions between Schiers and Küblis. Two additional small measurement areas are located between Kreuzlingen and Weinfelden as well as at Rotbergegg. This geographic distribution enables the capture of variations in natural background radiation and local anomalies.

To minimize noise pollution, flights are restricted to 8:00 to 17:00 with a fixed lunch break from 12:00 to 13:30. Unfavorable weather will lead to postponement or cancellation of operations. The NAZ continuously publishes program changes and measurement results on its website.

Key Points

  • Annual aeroradiometric campaign serves to ensure measurement team operational readiness and data collection
  • Nuclear power plant monitoring is conducted on behalf of ENSI; measurements around Beznau, Leibstadt, Zwilag, and PSI on June 17, 2026
  • Nationwide baseline measurements (Gotthard Massif, populated regions, lakes) enable anomaly detection and emergency response

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence: What quality criteria apply to aeroradiometric measurement data, and how are measurement errors or calibration deviations documented and corrected?

  2. Data Validity: How frequently are the reference data updated, and is threshold determination for anomalies based on scientifically peer-reviewed standards or internal BABS guidelines?

  3. Conflicts of Interest: Who conducts the data analysis – independent external institutes or internal BABS teams – and are there external validation processes?

  4. Causality: How is it ensured that elevated measured values can be attributed to a current nuclear facility and not originate from natural geological sources or transboundary emissions?

  5. Feasibility: What response protocols exist if measurements during routine operations detect anomalous values, and how quickly can emergency teams be activated?

  6. Transparency: Are measurement results fully made public, or are sensitive data around nuclear facilities subject to classification restrictions?

Source Directory

Primary Source: Federal Office for Civil Protection (BABS) – National Alarm Center (NAZ). Aeroradiometric Measurement Campaign 2026. – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/Z9W0IqzJAc_bwmp5dz0Ud

Verification Status: ✓ 08.06.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 08.06.2026