French Air and Space Force Buys Pilatus PC-7 MKX Trainers

Fleet will include 22 aircraft and ground-based instruction, including simulators.

Kimberly Johnson

Wednesday, March 05, 2025 at 04:51 PM ET

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Edited By: tccjeremy

Pilatus PC-7 MKX [Courtesy: Pilatus]

Key Takeaways:

France's defense officials have chosen the Pilatus PC-7 MKX to train pilots for the country's air and space force.
The procurement agency will purchase 22 PC-7 MKX trainers, including simulators and ground-based training systems, to modernize the existing fleet.
Deliveries are slated to begin in 2027, making France one of the first operators of the new PC-7 MKX, alongside the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

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Defense officials in France have selected the Pilatus PC-7 MKX to train military pilots in the country’s air and space force, the aircraft manufacturer announced Wednesday.

The country’s procurement agency, Direction Générale de l’Armement, has entered into an agreement to buy 22 of the trainers for the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace, as well as ground-based training.