Offset Agreement With Switzerland’s F-35 Acquisition

Pilatus and Lockheed Martin announced a partnership agreement to develop technology for avionics and training functionality for its next-gen pilot training system. Its aim is to enable Pilatus to provide dedicated pilot training for customers operating the Lockheed Martin F-35 and other frontline fifth-generation aircraft.

The training system is to be based on the Pilatus PC-21 turboprop, which is a cost-effective and efficient platform for training military pilots. It is embedded with displays and control systems that realistically match those of the latest generation of military jets. Through this, student pilots become familiar with the cockpit of frontline aircraft from the earliest phases of training, enabling a smooth transition to the frontline aircraft.

The partnership stems from an agreement finalized in 2022 by Switzerland to purchase the state-of-the-art F-35 stealth multi-role aircraft: Lockheed is committed to establish offset projects in Switzerland equivalent to 60% of the contract value. The projects are intended to benefit various segments of Swiss industry including aerospace.

The offset agreement stipulates that Lockheed Martin will provide data and support to Pilatus to develop an advanced pilot training system that will offer a solution tailored to fifth-generation operators and particularly nations operating the F-35.

Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus said, “We are delighted to have the support of armasuisse and Lockheed Martin. This technology transfer is a win-win situation for all three parties, and for Switzerland. Thanks to this cooperation, we can continue to supply our customers with the world’s most advanced training system.”

Urs Loher, director of the Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse) explained, “This industrial cooperation makes a significant contribution to strengthening our security-relevant technology and industry base. It promotes sustainable innovation, technological development and the competitiveness of Swiss industry, which directly benefits national security.”

J.R. McDonald, Vice President of F-35 Business Development at Lockheed Martin added, “We look forward to continuing to partner with Switzerland on the F-35A program and developing this important pilot training capability with Pilatus.”

FMI:  www.pilatus-aircraft.com/