RUAG assembles four F-35 fighter jets in Emmen
Emmen - Emmen, in the canton of Lucerne in Switzerland, is becoming a new center of expertise for the F-35 fighter jet: the Federal Office for Defence Procurement, armasuisse, has granted RUAG pre-approval for final assembly and testing of four of the 36 new Swiss F-35s. Building on this, RUAG is aiming to become part of the European support solution.
Four of the 36 Swiss F-35 fighter jets will undergo final assembly and testing at RUAG in Emmen, starting in 2027. According to a press release, armasuisse has now granted pre-approval for the RIGI project. North American manufacturer Lockheed Martin will provide the necessary training and technical support, explains an announcement issued by the arms manufacturer. Lockheed Martin anticipates that 100 employees will be required for the project.
«The project will deliver hands-on experience that will enable more autonomous operation of F-35 fighter jets, giving a significant boost to Switzerland’s national security,» says armasuisse. According to the press release, RUAG can now begin the process of transferring tools, knowledge and training. In the medium term, RUAG is aiming to become part of the European F-35 support solution.
Armasuisse had signed the procurement contract to purchase the F-35 fighter jets in September 2022. In return, Lockheed Martin had committed to compensating 60 per cent of the contractual value – around $3 billion – through offset transactions with companies in Switzerland. Around 20 per cent of the transactions must be related to the procured fighter jets. According to the armasuisse press release, RUAG’s Emmen site will receive $500 million from these compensation transactions.
Patrick Nyfeler, Managing Director of Lockheed Martin Switzerland, says the package agreed with Switzerland is «globally unique», according to an article in the Luzerner Zeitung newspaper. He explains that it extends far beyond the usual service package and will secure highly skilled jobs. Thomas Kipfer, member of the RUAG Executive Board with responsibility for the RIGI project, adds that this will provide employees with «prospects and an excellent foundation for the future.»
