The first nine Alouette IIIs manufactured by Sud Aviation in Marignane (F) joined the Swiss Army in 1964. The helicopter soon impressed with its wide range of missions and its capabilities in the mountains. As a result, a further 15 aircraft were procured in 1966. In 1972, a next tranche of 60 helicopters followed, manufactured under partial license by Flugzeugwerke Emmen. In total, the Swiss Air Force operated 84 Alouette IIIs in various configurations.

The Alouette III was used in Switzerland on the one hand by the Swiss Air Force, but also by many civilian operators. Among others, at Air-Zermatt or Air Glacier with various accessories such as winch, rescue basket or other turbine.