The contract also includes various maintenance work on F-5 aircraft and their engines. For this purpose, the US Navy awarded a corresponding contract to Tactical Air in early July. As a subcontractor for Tactical Air, RUAG will be responsible for specific MRO services on 22 F-5 airframes as well as for the overhaul of 44 J-85 engines. The US Navy acquired the aircraft from the Swiss Air Force just over two years ago.
"This contract marks an important milestone for RUAG: it gives us the ability to preserve our unique competence with regard to the F-5, which is vital to our core business, thus allowing us to make our contribution to sovereign security for Switzerland. It also strengthens our position on the international market," emphasized Thomas Kipfer, Senior Vice President of the Air Business Area.
Tactical Air is a civilian company that provides "red air" aircraft for tactical aviation training and technical advisory services to its customers, which include the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. Tactical Air intends to serve international customers as well.
“RUAG has built the relationship with Tactical Air Support through continuous exchange over recent years. I am very pleased that the efforts and perseverance have paid off. With this contract, we are laying the foundation for a mutually profitable partnership that can be further expanded," says Philippe Erni, Vice President Marketing & Sales.
For more information on RUAG, please contact Kirsten Hammerich, Senior Media Relations Manager, Kirsten.Hammerich@ruag.ch / Tel. +41 58 467 05 11