Alpnach Air Base (LSMA), located in the canton of Obwalden, is the main helicopter base of the Swiss Air Force. It serves as the operational home for two key air transport squadrons:
Lufttransportstaffel 6 (Air Transport Squadron 6)
Based at Alpnach and part of Air Transport Wing 2, this squadron operates AS332 Super Puma, AS532 Cougar, and EC635 helicopters. It performs missions such as troop and cargo transport, search and rescue, aerial reconnaissance, and disaster relief throughout Switzerland.
Based at Alpnach and part of Air Transport Wing 2, this squadron operates AS332 Super Puma, AS532 Cougar, and EC635 helicopters. It performs missions such as troop and cargo transport, search and rescue, aerial reconnaissance, and disaster relief throughout Switzerland.
Lufttransportstaffel 8 (Air Transport Squadron 8)
Also part of Air Transport Wing 2, this squadron flies the same helicopter types and shares operational duties with Staffel 6. It focuses on training flights, air mobility support, and civil protection operations, often assisting in firefighting and mountain rescue.
Also part of Air Transport Wing 2, this squadron flies the same helicopter types and shares operational duties with Staffel 6. It focuses on training flights, air mobility support, and civil protection operations, often assisting in firefighting and mountain rescue.
Together, these two squadrons make Alpnach the center of rotary-wing operations for the Swiss Air Force — responsible for most national helicopter missions, training, and maintenance support.
