An electromagnetic drive system contains an armature that can be displaced along an axis. The armature contains a piston-shaped section. The piston-shaped section is guided in a cylindrical section of the stator. A recess extends through the piston-shaped section substantially in the direction of the axis. The incorporation of the recess results in that a fluid cushion that builds up in front of the piston-shaped section during rapid movement can be relieved through the piston-shaped section.