For Basic Military Pilot Training

The French Procurement Agency, Direction Generale de l’Armement (DGA), announced the selection of the Pilatus PC-7 MKX as the new training system for pilots in the French Air & Space Force. The agency purchased 22 of the aircraft for basic military pilot training and expects deliveries to begin in 2027.

In addition to the 22 aircraft, the purchase agreement includes ground-based training tools in collaboration with French industry through Babcock France, who was awarded a 17-year contract to provide training services based on the PC-7 MKX. Pilatus will provide simulators, computer-based training, mission planning, and equipment systems for debriefing.

The French Air & Space Force has been training in the Pilatus PC-21 advanced trainer since 2018. The Force has 26 of the PC-21 aircraft obtained in two batches. With the introduction of the PC-7 MKX for basic training, France now goes full-on exclusively with Pilatus for all phases of pilot training.

Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus said, “It’s a great honor to have been selected once again by our valued customer, France, and we are very proud – thank you sincerely, France!. The PC-7 MKXs will also be equipped with a Head-Up Display, an additional feature which will enable a high degree of commonality between the PC-7 MKX and the PC-21.

“The newly developed, state-of-the-art Ground Based Training System, including simulators, also meets the highest requirements and offers cost-efficient basic training for the military pilots of the ‘Grande Nation’.”

FMI:  www.pilatus-aircraft.com/