Netherlands signs deal for eight PC-7 MKX training aircraft
The PC-7 MKX is based on the PC-7 MkII trainer platform. (Photo: Pilatus)
The eight new aircraft will also be joined by four flight simulators, the former replacing the air force’s current Pilatus PC-7 training aircraft by 2027.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced it has signed two contracts to purchase eight new PC-7 MKX training aircraft and four new simulators, upgrading its fleet for its elementary military pilot training.
According to the MoD, the first contract deals with the purchase of the aircraft and simulators, while the second deals with maintenance of the equipment over the first five years.
Currently, the Royal Netherlands Air Force trains its pilots using the Pilatus PC-7 training aircraft, of which it has 13 in its fleet. The MoD anticipates that these aircraft will be replaced by the PC-7 MKX type by the end of 2027.
Related Articles
Babcock wins €795 million contract to support French Air Force training
The Royal Netherlands Air Force is the launch customer for the PC-7 MKX, although Pilatus is reportedly involved in “additional tenders” for this trainer. In January 2025, France signed a contract for 22 PC-7 MKX aircraft to train its cadets.
The MoD stated: “We have had a long and good relationship with Pilatus. With the contract signing for a state-of-the-art learning environment we are extending this partnership for another 30 years.”
Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, commented: “We’re delighted to announce this contract for our new PC-7 MKX training system. This marks the beginning of a new era of basic flight training in the Netherlands, which – I am sure – will set a new standard that other air forces will seek to follow.”
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance]()
Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance
New presidential directives for UAV production are intended to remove bureaucratic barriers and support suppliers.
-
![Enhancing education: How CAE is embracing new technology to boost military training]()
Enhancing education: How CAE is embracing new technology to boost military training
In Conversation... Shephard's Gerrard Cowan talks to CAE's Marc-Olivier Sabourin about how the training and simulation industry can help militaries achieve essential levels of readiness by leveraging new technology, innovative procurement methods and a truly collaborative approach.
-
![Paris Air Show 2025: New capabilities, partnerships and next-gen programmes remain priority for industry]()
Paris Air Show 2025: New capabilities, partnerships and next-gen programmes remain priority for industry
As European countries increase their defence budgets, the Paris Air Show will look to how the aerospace industry’s responds, with programme progression, new technology and industrial partnerships all expected to take centre stage at Le Bourget.
-
![Paris Air Show 2025: Airbus Helicopters unveils new crewed-uncrewed teaming solution]()
Paris Air Show 2025: Airbus Helicopters unveils new crewed-uncrewed teaming solution
The solution, named HTeaming, has already been tested in flight with a Spanish Navy H135 helicopter and an Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS).
