Pilatus gains access to F35A technology

Under the terms of an offset project, aircraft manufacturer Pilatus with headquarters in Stans will gain access to the technology of the new F35A fighter jet manufactured by Lockheed Martin. According to a press release, the relevant approval has now been provided by the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse. This agreement is linked to the Swiss government’s purchase of 36 F-35A fighter jets. By monitoring offset transactions of this kind, armasuisse aims to foster new partnerships and advance innovation and technological development within the Swiss economy. Pilatus will now work with Lockheed Martin to provide pilot training programs.

This collaboration between the two aircraft manufacturers will allow Pilatus to provide expert bespoke solutions to customers operating the F-35 and other fifth-generation military jets. These feature in the PC-21 training platform, a trainer aircraft developed by the company from Nidwalden.

According to armasuisse, the Swiss Air Force plans to replace its existing fleet of F/A-18C/D Hornets and F-5E/F Tigers with new F35A jets. Of these, 28 fighter jets will be assembled in Europe, with four undergoing final assembly at Ruag’s facilities in Emmen as part of Project RIGI. ce/ww