France buys 22 Pilatus PC-7 MKX aircraft for basic military pilot training

Pilatus PC-7 MKX basic trainer aircraft.

The French Procurement Agency, Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA), has selected the Pilatus PC-7 MKX as the new training system for the French Air and Space Force.

In the early days of 2025, Babcock France won the "Mentor 2" tender and a 17-year contract to provide training services based on the PC-7 MKX. The company will supply the French Air and Space Force with 22 PC-7 MKX aircraft that will be used for basic training of military pilots. Deliveries will begin in 2027.

In addition to the 22 aircraft, the package will also include ground training tools to be provided partly in collaboration with French industry. Pilatus will provide simulators, computer-based training and equipment for the mission planning and debriefing system.

The French Air and Space Army has been providing advanced training for military pilots on the Pilatus PC-21 and associated training system at Base Aérienne 709 in Cognac-Châteaubernard since 2018. Pilots are now training on 26 PC-21s which were acquired in two batches. With the introduction of the PC-7 MKX for basic training, France will exclusively use Pilatus systems for all phases of military pilot training.

Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, commented on the contract as follows: "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'."

Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President Government Aviation at Pilatus, adds: "The French Air and Space Force will be along the Royal Netherlands Air Force, the first two operators introducing the new PC-7 MKX into service. We are looking forward to working closely with Babcock France in the delivery and operation of the new training system, and we aim to achieve the same level of success as for the PC-21."

Source, Images: Pilatus Aircraft