DefenseBelgium orders 18 Pilatus PC-7 MKX trainers
The Belgian government has selected the Pilatus PC-7 MKX aircraft for the Belgian Air Force, with deliveries set to commence in 2027.
The decision follows the approval of a 20-year training and support contract on November 27, aiming to replace the current basic trainer fleet used for military pilot instruction.
The comprehensive package includes 18 PC-7 MKX aircraft and advanced ground-based training tools. Flight training is scheduled to start in 2028, following the installation of infrastructure and flight simulators.
“We are proud to welcome Belgian Defense as a new Pilatus customer and the third European air force to select the PC-7 MKX. This milestone reinforces the trust placed in our training systems and highlights our commitment to supporting air forces globally with state-of-the-art solutions,” said Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus.
Pilatus, in partnership with Belgian companies, will provide new and upgraded facilities at the Bevekom/Beauvechain Air Base to support the program. The arrangement is designed to ensure long-term operational continuity for the Belgian Air Force.
The PC-7 MKX features a modern cockpit equipped with the Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics suite, aligning with current training standards in Western Europe.
In 2024, both the Royal Netherlands Air Force and theFrench Air Force also selected the PC-7 MKX for their respective training needs, indicating broader regional adoption of the type.
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