The French Air and Space Force has chosen the Pilatus PC-7 MKX model as its new basic military training aircraft, with a total of 22 aircraft to be delivered by 2027. This new fleet will replace existing training systems, significantly enhancing pilot training programmes.
The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has approved the acquisition, and Babcock France secured a 17-year contract in early 2025 for the new aircraft. The contract encompasses not only aircraft training services but also advanced ground-based training tools developed in collaboration with the French industry. Pilatus will support training with simulators, computer-based training systems, and mission planning equipment.
Since 2018, France has been using the Pilatus PC-21 for advanced pilot training at Base Aérienne 709 in Cognac-Châteaubernard. With the introduction of the PC-7 MKX, the country will rely exclusively on Pilatus aircraft for all stages of military pilot training.
The PC-7 MKX features a modern cockpit equipped with the Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics system and a Head-Up Display. This technology provides an intuitive learning environment from the earliest training stages, facilitating a seamless transition to advanced training processes. Garmin has tailored the G3000 PRIME avionics for this model to better meet military pilot training requirements.
Pilatus CEO Markus Bucher expressed pride in France’s decision to select the PC-7 MKX, highlighting the strong partnership with the French Air and Space Force. He emphasised that the PC-7 MKX, with its shared characteristics with the PC-21 and state-of-the-art training systems, will offer future pilots cost-effective and high-quality training opportunities.
Ioannis Papachristofilou, Pilatus Vice President of Government Aviation, noted that France and the Netherlands would be the first countries to introduce the PC-7 MKX into service. He added that Pilatus would work closely with Babcock France to replicate the success achieved with the PC-21.
© AeroHaber.com / Mevlüt Zor
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