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
-
![MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone]()
MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone
The investment will bring together the Hybrid Drones and MBDA to enable the former to further develop its Hydra 400 UAV, previously showcased by the British Army.
-
![Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery]()
Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery
Work has begun on stockpiling the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), following the first missile’s delivery from Kongsberg and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.
-
![US Air Force has big plans for the F-47]()
US Air Force has big plans for the F-47
The USAF Chief of Staff has claimed that the sixth-generation fighter would allow for guaranteeing “air superiority for generations to come”.
-
![India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance]()
India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance
Inter-governmental agreement signed as final assembly line plans inch closer.
-
![Just Released: New UAS Technology Report now available to read]()
Just Released: New UAS Technology Report now available to read
Autonomous advantage: Unlocking the potential of VTOL UAS in the battlefield resupply role
-
![Update: India’s Rafale-M deal postponed]()
Update: India’s Rafale-M deal postponed
New Delhi had been gearing up to sign a Navy Rafale deal as talks swirled around a potential assembly line in Nagpur.
