In 1986, the Swiss Air Force ordered three AS332 Super Puma helicopters from the French company Aérospatiale (later Eurocopter, now Airbus Helicopters). No sooner had the first aircraft been delivered in the summer of 1987 than Switzerland was hit by severe storms. During successful relief missions, the Super Puma proved to be an effective means of transport. As a result, a further 12 Super Puma helicopters were ordered in 1989. This transport helicopter, which is used worldwide, proved its worth in a wide variety of troop missions and also became an indispensable piece of equipment in peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations. The Super Puma is also referred to as Transport Helicopter 89 (TH 89) by the Swiss Army.

The 1998 Armament Program approved the procurement of a further twelve Medium Transport Helicopters 98 (TH 98). Since these helicopters represent a new generation in terms of equipment and in order to avoid misunderstandings, these new machines were given the name "Cougar".