Switzerland to locally produce four of its 36 American F-35A fighter jets.

On June 30, 2024, the Swiss company RUAG received pre-approval for the final production of four F-35 fighter jets in Switzerland, representing a significant development for the company. The Federal Office for Defense Procurement, armasuisse, approved the RIGI project, which permits RUAG to assemble and test four of the 36 Swiss F-35 fighter jets with technical support from Lockheed Martin. This initiative is classified as a technology and knowledge transfer project rather than a production project.
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The F-35 Lightning II has three variants: the F-35A for conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL), the F-35B for short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL), and the F-35C designed for aircraft carrier operations. (Picture source: US Air Force)

For RUAG, this project is crucial for acquiring in-depth knowledge about the F-35 at an early stage, facilitating skill development. It positions RUAG to become a part of the European F-35 support solution as a regional provider. The project will help RUAG maintain current jobs and foster the creation of future high-tech positions. RUAG is designated as a Material Competence Center (MCC) for the Swiss Air Force, with specific maintenance work details still to be defined.

The Swiss Air Force will receive a total of 36 F-35 fighter jets, replacing the existing fleet of F/A-18 Hornets and F-5 Tigers. RUAG's role in the RIGI project aims to build extensive knowledge and autonomy in operating and maintaining the F-35A throughout its service life. The pre-approval by armasuisse allows for the transfer of tools, know-how, and training from Lockheed Martin to RUAG, with assembly taking place in Switzerland and final acceptance in Cameri, Italy. This direct offset project is valued at nearly 500 million CHF ($556,534,500), allocated progressively over the procurement period based on project milestones.

The procurement contract for the F-35A was signed by armasuisse on September 19, 2022, with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2030. Lockheed Martin committed to offsetting 60 percent of the contract value, around 3 billion USD, through transactions with Swiss companies. Twenty percent of this offset is related to the F-35A acquisition. Additionally, RUAG committed to sourcing 40 percent of the required personnel for the project from the Romandie region, aiming to generate 100 million CHF ($111,306,900) in value and investments in western Switzerland by 2034.

Following pre-approval, RUAG and Lockheed Martin will finalize contractual details, leading to official project registration in the armasuisse offset register. The cooperation between the United States and Switzerland, which has included previous acquisitions of the F-5 Tiger and F/A-18 Hornet, continues with this F-35 project. The F-35A's capabilities include electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and network-enabled operations, enhancing Switzerland's airspace monitoring and defense.

The Swiss company RUAG received pre-approval from the Swiss Defence Procurement Agency for the final production of four of the 36 Swiss F-35A fighter jets. (Picture source: US Air Force)

The first Swiss F-35s will be equipped with TR-3 hardware and the latest Block 4 software, ensuring the Swiss Air Force has access to current technology. The F-35 is expected to become the most widely used fighter jet among European partners by 2030, with nearly 500 aircraft anticipated to be operational across European air forces. The Swiss F-35As will be stationed at Payerne, Emmen, and Meiringen air bases, providing a complete coverage for Swiss airspace.

The F-35A Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter aircraft designed for the U.S. Air Force and allied nations. Its design incorporates advanced stealth technology, reducing its radar signature and enhancing its capability to conduct both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Capable of withstanding more than 9G, the aircraft features the Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), which provide comprehensive situational awareness and precision targeting. Additionally, the helmet-mounted display system projects crucial flight and combat data onto the pilot's visor, aiding in mission execution across diverse combat scenarios.

The F-35A is armed with an internally mounted GAU-22/A Equalizer 25mm gun and supports various weapons on its six external pylons and two internal bays, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground bombs, and specialized munitions like the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F135 afterburning turbofan engine producing 43,000 pounds of thrust, the aircraft can reach supersonic speeds, ranges of up to 2,800 km, and a service ceiling of 50,000 feet.

The F-35A Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, is an American fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter aircraft capable of withstanding more than 9G. (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)