On 25 April 2006, Armasuisse, the Swiss procurement agency, and Eurocopter signed a contract in Berne for the supply of 18 EC635s and two EC135s. The 18 EC635s will perform specific training missions and aerial work as part of the LTTH (Light Transport and Training Helicopter) program. The two EC135s will be used for transporting VIPs and Swiss members of Parliament. These latest-generation helicopters will replace an aging Alouette III fleet, with deliveries due from early 2008 to late 2009.

The first four aircraft will be delivered by Eurocopter, while the 16 others will be largely assembled by RUAG in Alpnach, Switzerland, and then delivered to the customer. RUAG will also perform O-, I-, and D-level maintenance for the new Swiss Army fleet throughout its entire life cycle. The EC635/EC135s are multi-role aircraft in the truest sense of the term, and can be used for a wide range of SAR (Search and Rescue), EMS (Emergency Medical Service), troop transport, and surveillance missions; and to provide aid in response to natural catastrophes.