Sustainability at RUAG
At RUAG, our focus is on the security of Switzerland. But protecting the climate and the environment is also a major concern for us. As a technology partner to the Swiss Armed Forces, we consciously assume responsibility in the area of sustainability. We are committed to a comprehensive engagement - economically, ecologically and socially - and are consistently guided by our ambitious sustainability goals. We use the defined key performance indicators (KPIs) in this area to monitor the achievement of our targets.
Sustainability is a must criterion for everything new for us. This principle shapes our daily actions and is therefore a top priority. As a federally owned company, we adhere to the requirements of the federal government's climate targets and are part of the Federal Office of Energy's "Exemplary Energy and Climate" initiative.
We are therefore committed to achieving defined targets within a specific timeframe. These include optimizing energy efficiency, promoting green electricity production and increasing the proportion of renewable energy. For the year 2024, we have made sustainability measurable in our company and defined corresponding key performance indicators (KPIs). We use these KPIs to assess our sustainability strategy and measures and ensure targeted further development.
You can find all other relevant information on the topic of sustainability in our news section
FUNDAMENTALS
Framework conditions from the owner’s perspective
The owner’s strategy stipulates that RUAG’s actions are based on the principles of defense economics, whereby the focus is on long-term performance, social responsibility and environmental sustainability. Particular attention should be paid to identifying those areas of sustainable development in which the company can exert significant influence. Based on this, RUAG defines concrete goals that are oriented toward the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations in order to make an active contribution to fulfilling the Agenda 2030.
Contribution to sustainability in our strategy
Social change – with its defining megatrends such as neo-ecology, demographic developments, mobility and health – also has a direct influence on corporate governance at RUAG. As a responsible company, RUAG is proactive in its commitment toward sustainable and forward-looking business practices.
In an initial phase (until 2030), the focal points of the contribution to sustainability are as follows:
↗ Reduction of energy consumption and CO2 emissions;
↗ the efficient use of resources, substitution, reuse or recycling;
↗ encouraging a corporate culture that is characterized by mutual respect, appreciation and open communication, and
↗ the regular review of progress made in the various dimensions of sustainability.
Corporate sustainability
In its sustainable approach, RUAG follows a holistic concept based on three central roles: as a life cycle center, as a provider of innovation and technology services, and as a platform for a comprehensive security ecosystem. These strategic roles aim to ensure the long-term performance of the company and how it benefits society.
The implementation of these roles takes place both within ongoing core business carried out in close cooperation with the Swiss Armed Forces, and also as part of new business areas with a clear focus on services in the Swiss Security Network. This dual strategy enables RUAG to reinforce existing partnerships on one hand and explore new opportunities on the other in order to meet the increasing demands seen in the area of national security.
From these diverse fields of activity, RUAG makes a decisive contribution to the security of Switzerland by developing innovative solutions targeted toward sustainability, efficiency and reliability. At the same time, the company ensures that the services provided not only meet current requirements, but are also viable over the long term and follow the principles of sustainable development. With this approach, RUAG underlines its responsibility as a sustainable service provider in the Swiss Security Network.
Contribution to sovereign security in Switzerland
As an innovation and technological partner of the Swiss Armed Forces, RUAG is closely connected to society and the environment. The company not only strives to meet legal requirements, but moreover to also be seen as an engaged and responsible player on the market and in society.
As an integral part of Swiss security policy, RUAG makes a direct contribution to the well-being of people and environmental protection with its core business and the associated sustainable provision of services. Through responsible actions and forward-looking solutions, the company takes on an important role in ensuring long-term positive impacts on society and the environment.
Environmental protection at RUAG
RUAG’s primary goal is comprehensive environmental protection. At the forefront is the consistent adherence to all applicable regulations, guidelines and measures that serve to preserve and promote an intact environment.
Environmental organization
Environmental and energy topics are defined centrally by RUAG MRO Holding Ltd and audited internally. Implementation is made via the lines of the individual Business Areas. The contact person at the respective sites is the Safety and Security Officer, or the Head Safety & Environment who is also responsible for environmental matters.
Energy and climate
RUAG is committed to energy efficiency, renewable energies and environmentally friendly in-house electricity production. In doing so, we support the Energy Strategy 2050 of the Federal Government, which aims to reach the objectives of the Paris Agreement and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By 2050, the goal is for no further emissions of greenhouse gases, corresponding to the objective of “net zero emissions”.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPI) SOCIAL INDICATORS
Social indicators are also important key figures for sustainable development. They include KPIs on employee, customer and supplier satisfaction, intercultural diversity and vocational training.
In addition to the aforementioned KPIs, we invest sustainably in a wide range of areas relating to our duties as an employer. We deliberately go the extra mile: modern employment conditions, a strong commitment to equal pay for women and men (LINK Fair-ON-Pay Advanced), comprehensive training opportunities and an intrapreneurship program to promote innovative business ideas.
HIGHLIGHTS
Start of «Young Spirit» project
The grand unboxing event for the “Young Spirit” project took place in May. Around 70 apprentices from 13 professions built a two-seater RV-7A aircraft model together. The event focused on the apprentices who would then shape and implement the project. To mark the start of the project, the assembly kit was unpacked and the individual parts introduced. A project presentation gave insights into the planning and goals, with the aim of promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and the practical application of acquired skills through decentralized work packages. After the organizational preparation was completed in the second half of 2025, work began on constructing the aircraft in January 2026. “Young Spirit” embodies technical curiosity, team spirit in action across professions, and the courage needed to take off in style.
Successful SwissSkills 2025
Successful completion of apprenticeships
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
GOVERNANCE
We work with our customers and partners for a secure future. Because we know that safety matters. This shapes our actions and our deeply rooted sense of responsibility. We maintain cooperative relationships with customers and business partners - based on trust, integrity and mutual respect.
Open communication, fairness and respect for people and the environment are at the forefront of our dealings with each other and with all stakeholder groups. This also includes compliance with all applicable internal and external rules and regulations. Our Code of Conduct is a binding basis and covers the following topics, among others:
- Data management and data protection
- Corporate ethics
- Legal compliance
- Risk management and integral security
- Transparent management cultures
- Corruption and anti-competitive behavior
You can find all detailed information on the topic of governance here.