K+W

The Swiss company Eidgenössische Konstruktionswerkstätte (K+W) was a state-run enterprise based in Thun and part of the Armament Services Group under the Swiss Federal Military Department (now the DDPS). Its primary mission was to reduce Switzerland’s reliance on imported military equipment and ensure self-sufficiency in times of crisis. The abbreviation “K+W” is official, with the “+” symbolizing the Swiss cross and thus denoting its federal status — a convention also used for other federal enterprises. In aviation circles, the incorrect abbreviation “EKW” is sometimes used. K+W operated from 1863 until 1999 and today forms part of the core of RUAG.