Innovation as the basis for a successful future
As a technology partner of the Swiss Armed Forces, RUAG is facing a period of transition due to the replacement of many military systems. The challenge is to further develop the existing and replacement business while also expanding into new business areas. This requires further development of the company culture and the targeted establishment of new competencies and business models.
In order to position itself as a technology partner of the Swiss Armed Forces and Swiss security organizations, RUAG must build strong networks with academic institutions, the securityrelevant industry base and the start-up and DDPS innovation community.
RUAG Innovation Organization (RIO)
In 2023, the RUAG Innovation Organization intensified its efforts to identify, validate and prepare new business areas as well as to position RUAG as an innovative company for Swiss security. The innovation projects were specifically aimed at the operational spheres of the Swiss Armed Forces and the communicated capability gaps by 2035: The focus is on the sensor-intelligence- command-action network, the needs in the cyber and electromagnetic space as well as on the ground and in the air and, last but not least, the topics of energy and logistics. For the future of mobile secure communication (MSC), RUAG has pushed ahead with projects such as the secure smartphone GUARDIAN and the development of the RUAG high security private cloud infrastructure.
The presentation of the RUAG Innovation Award at nine universities, the RUAG Innovation Forum and numerous other events have significantly strengthened the networking of the Swiss innovation community. Moreover, RUAG’s image and visibility in the start-up community and at universities were promoted.
Swiss Innovation Forces Ltd
As part of the strategic initiative “Innovation of the Swiss Armed Forces”, Swiss Innovation Forces Ltd commenced operations in March 2023 as a subsidiary of RUAG MRO Holding Ltd. Its aim is to increase the power and speed of innovation of the Swiss Armed Forces and the administration as well as to contribute to cultural change. The company acts as an interface between the DDPS and providers of innovative solutions from the private sector.