In addition to signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize the cooperation, discussions focused on moving forward with collaborative projects. RUAG was established as a Materials Expertise Center for the new BODLUV system during the tendering process and thus assumes an important part of the responsibility for life cycle management of the Patriot systems for the Swiss Armed Forces.
With Switzerland’s recent selection of Patriot for its BODLUV GR air defense system, the country will become the 18th Global Patriot partner and the eighth European nation to choose the proven system for its ground-based air defense. The Patriot offer for Switzerland was proposed by Raytheon Technologies, in partnership with Swiss-based Rheinmetall Air Defence AG and Mercury Systems, Inc. The companies offered projects for Swiss industry participation, spanning all language regions and exceeding the government’s direct offset goals.
«With the addition of RUAG to our Swiss Patriot team, we will provide a tailored solution the Swiss military can operate independently while helping strengthen and grow the Swiss aerospace and defense industry segment,» said Wes Kremer, president of Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a Raytheon Technologies business. «RUAG brings a capability and expertise to the Swiss Patriot program and, together with other Swiss industry partners, we will provide Switzerland the most sophisticated and capable system to meet their air defense needs and safeguard its sovereignty.»
RUAG will provide the most significant portion of Patriot’s sustainment and training capability with the production of specialized maintenance and support equipment, manufacture of maintenance training simulators, and adaptation of vehicles and trailers to meet Swiss mobility requirements. In addition, RUAG will establish a local Center for Maintenance Repair and Overhaul which will provide a full-service depot for conducting intermediate level maintenance and repair of all components of the Patriot system. The CMRO will support enhanced-level repairs normally conducted at the manufacturer level, a capability that will allow RUAG to establish the first-of-its-kind Patriot European Regional Repair Center to support all Patriot users across the region.
The two CEOs discussed RUAG's role in the implementation of these, and other, projects. In addition to repair capabilities, training and troop support, they discussed how involvement in offset projects allows RUAG to secure new technologies and ensure high quality maintenance in the long term through the know-how gained.
«With our contribution in the Swiss Patriot team, we will continue to ensure that relevant know-how and competencies for security technologies are retained domestically, thereby strengthening Switzerland's independence,» says Andreas Berger, CEO RUAG MRO Holding AG. «This Swiss Patriot Team is the best proof of successful integration of Swiss industry in international procurement programs.»
Patriot is the most technologically advanced, tested and proven ground-based air-defense system in the world, continuously improved based on data from regular testing. The fielded and proven system comes with continuous learning based on actual data from over 1,500 search-and-track flight tests, dozens of annual missile firings, numerous training exercises, and ongoing deployments in a wide range of environmental and operational conditions.
About Raytheon Technologies
Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. With four industry-leading businesses ― Collins Aerospace Systems, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Raytheon Missiles & Defense ― the company delivers solutions that push the boundaries in avionics, cybersecurity, directed energy, electric propulsion, hypersonics, and quantum physics. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.
About RUAG
At RUAG, we make a significant contribution to Swiss security. As a future-oriented technology partner, our priorities are innovation (developing new skills, new processes and new business models), the integration of new technologies in existing areas and systems, life-cycle management, and ensuring the availability of military and security systems.
Our extensive product and service portfolio does not just include the provision of trusted information and communication solutions. We also make an important contribution to the availability of fighter jets, helicopters and anti-aircraft defense, as well as wheeled and tracked vehicles.
For more information about RUAG, contact Kirsten Hammerich, Senior Media Relations Manager, Kirsten.Hammerich@ruag.ch / Tel. +41 58 467 05 11
For more information about Raytheon Technologies, contact Basil Hofstetter, Senior Account Executive bei BCW, basil.hofstetter@bcw-global.com / Tel. +41 79 328 27 83.