French Air and Space Force Selects Pilatus PC-7 MKX as New Trainer Aircraft
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The French Directorate General of Armament (DGA) has selected the Pilatus PC-7 MKX as the new basic training system for the French Air and Space Force. A fleet of 22 aircraft will be used for military pilot training, with deliveries scheduled for 2027.
17-Year Training Contract Under "Mentor 2" Program
As part of the "Mentor 2" program, Babcock France was awarded a 17-year contract in early 2025 to provide pilot training services using the PC-7 MKX.
A Comprehensive Training System
In addition to the aircraft, the acquisition package includes ground-based training tools, some of which will be developed in collaboration with the French industry. Pilatus, the manufacturer of the PC-7 MKX, will supply:
- Simulators
- Computer-based training systems
- Mission planning and analysis tools
Since 2018, the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace has been using the Pilatus PC-21 for advanced pilot training at Air Base 709 in Cognac-Châteaubernard. With the addition of the PC-7 MKX for initial training, France will now rely exclusively on Pilatus aircraft for all stages of military pilot training.
PC-7 MKX: Advanced Technology and Avionics
The PC-7 MKX features a Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite and a Head-Up Display (HUD). According to Pilatus, the aircraft was designed to provide an intuitive training environment from the early stages of flight instruction. The Garmin system’s customizable display screens integrate Pilatus' military training philosophy with Garmin's open-system architecture.
Pilatus Executives React to the Selection
Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, expressed his gratitude for the selection, stating:
"It is a great honor to once again be chosen by our valued customer, France, and we are very proud. Thank you sincerely, France!"
Meanwhile, Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President of Government Aviation at Pilatus, emphasized that both the French Air and Space Force and the Royal Netherlands Air Force will be the first operators to introduce the PC-7 MKX into service.
"We look forward to working closely with Babcock France on the delivery and operation of the new training system. Our goal is to achieve the same level of success as with the PC-21," he stated.
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