RUAG will assemble three F-35A jets as maintenance income remains uncertain

RUAG will assemble three F-35A fighter jets in Switzerland, one fewer than originally planned, while the long-term value of maintaining the aircraft remains unclear, Swiss broadcaster SRF reports.

The assembly work is part of RUAG’s Rigi project, which was initially set to cover four jets. The company said the reduction followed a cost-benefit assessment and would keep the project within budget without affecting its goals for technology transfer and skills development. Final assembly of the first F-35A is due to begin in autumn 2027.

RUAG and manufacturer Lockheed Martin have agreed that RUAG will assemble the three aircraft, build expertise and support the Swiss Air Force as a life-cycle support provider. RUAG already maintains all 30 of Switzerland’s F/A-18 fighter jets, a source of income for the company and support for the armed forces’ readiness.

But the F-35A is structured differently from the F/A-18, and RUAG will be able to carry out less maintenance itself. Repairs to major components, such as the cockpit or engine, are assigned to designated centres across the global F-35 network. If an engine on a Swiss aircraft fails, it could be removed in Emmen, in the canton of Lucerne, and sent to a centre in the Netherlands or Norway.

RUAG acknowledged that its income from F-35A maintenance is expected to be significantly lower than what it earns from servicing F/A-18s. The company hopes to make up some of the difference by winning work from other countries that are buying F-35As, including Belgium, Finland, Norway and Germany. It is reportedly in talks with several countries but has not disclosed details.

Whether RUAG can secure foreign customers, and whether Swiss neutrality rules could complicate such work, remains uncertain. The company also hopes restrictions on component repairs may be eased in future.