Swiss Air Force receives final Cougar helicopter
The transfer of the final modernised Cougar helicopter was celebrated with a ceremonial handover. (Photo: RUAG)
RUAG has announced the completion of the Swiss Cougar modernisation programme, which lasted around three years.
RUAG has transferred the last of nine Cougars to the Swiss Air Force’s helicopter fleet as part of the Cougar modernisation programme.
After a successful decision to undergo a value retention programme to modernise the TH89 Super Puma to become the TH06, the TH98 Cougar was selected to be upgraded to the TH18 model.
The modernisation programme received approval from the Federal Council in 2018 and started in early 2019 with the conversion of the first Cougar.
There were two goals of the modernisation programme, first to extend the useful life of the 20-year old helicopter and second to harmonise the Super Puma and Cougar transport helicopters to allow more uniform and simplified operations and training.
The AS532 Cougar is a development of the SA 330 Puma, first introduced in 1977. According to Shephard Defence Insight, the platform has at least 26 confirmed international customers.
This news follows RUAG’s announcement to divest many of its defence subsidiaries. Since just last month, RUAG has announced the planned sale of RUAG Australia to ASDAM and the completed sale of RUAG Simulation & Training to Thales.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![USAF to use augmented reality technology in F-16 cockpit]()
USAF to use augmented reality technology in F-16 cockpit
The US Air Force awarded Red6 a contract to install its ATARS software into the aircraft to provide new training solutions, following successful integrations in the T-38 Talon and MC-130.
-
![Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff]()
Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin also urged caution over a “drone-tastic” way of thinking when it comes to their use alongside traditional air and underwater domain platforms.
-
![Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss]()
Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss
In July 2025 Teal Drones was awarded Tranche 2 of the US Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) programme for a small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS).
-
![Planned Singapore fighter detachment in Guam scrapped]()
Planned Singapore fighter detachment in Guam scrapped
Singapore’s Ministry of Defence said the decision to discontinue discussions on the fighter training detachment was mutually agreed with the US.
-
![India fast-tracks indigenous MALE drones as US trade rift stalls big-ticket deals]()
India fast-tracks indigenous MALE drones as US trade rift stalls big-ticket deals
With US tariffs and stalled defence talks slowing imports, India has cleared a $3.4 billion plan for 87 tri‑service MALE UAVs with 60% indigenous content – accelerating self‑reliance as operational lessons from May’s four‑day conflict drive urgency.
-
![Elbit Systems discloses Iron Beam update and work on laser solution for IAF]()
Elbit Systems discloses Iron Beam update and work on laser solution for IAF
In its Q2 earnings call, the company said it has internal targets set for similar double-digit growth for 2026, as it welcomed a 21% boost in 2025 profits so far compared to 2024.
