The Koninklijke Luchtmacht (Royal Netherlands Air Force) has signed a contract with Pilatus Aircraft for the delivery of eight PC-7 MKX aircraft and the associated ground-based training systems. This state-of-the-art training system will take the basic military training of Dutch military pilots to a new level from the first half of 2027. It offers a cost-effective solution for flight training and at the same time sets a new standard in the field of air force training.
The PC-7 MKX is an innovative training aircraft that offers aspiring military pilots practical and cost-effective training. Pilatus was awarded the contract to supply the new training systems as part of a public tender by the Dutch procurement agency "Material & IT Command" (COMMIT). In addition to the aircraft, the package also includes four simulators and a range of advanced ground-based training aids, including virtual reality components. These help to increase the engagement and immersion of the student pilots and the instructors.
The PC-7 MKX is distinguished by its innovative use of simulation technologies that enable early integration of advanced training methods. For example, mission planning and debriefing tools and an advanced training management system are used to provide trainee pilots with operational insight and detailed performance analysis. This is intended to help sharpen situational awareness and increase learning efficiency, so that training is faster and more effective.
The close partnership between Pilatus and the Koninklijke Luchtmacht
The Dutch Air Force and Pilatus have a long-standing partnership that began in 1988 with the delivery of PC-7 training aircraft and is now continuing with the new PC-7 MKX. The contract for the delivery of the new training system represents another important step in the collaboration and underlines the trust that the Dutch armed forces place in Pilatus.
"We have a long and good relationship with Pilatus and with the signing of the contract for the state-of-the-art training system we are extending our partnership for another 30 years," said a spokesperson for the Dutch Ministry of Defence. This close cooperation is an important part of the Dutch ambition to continuously modernise their military training and ensure that their flight students are familiarised with the latest technologies and training methods.
The new PC-7 MKX training system: A look into the future of training
The PC-7 MKX itself was developed as a replacement for the older PC-7 "turbo trainer" aircraft. As a "basic trainer" for basic military training, the aircraft is equipped with a state-of-the-art cockpit that follows a three-display philosophy. These displays provide high-resolution displays and allow student pilots to become familiar with modern avionics while learning their basic flying skills. The aircraft offers excellent flight characteristics that make it particularly suitable for training military pilots, as it provides a safe and well-behaved flying experience that is still challenging enough to develop important flying skills.
"We are delighted to announce this contract for our new PC-7 MKX training system and thank Holland for this decision," said Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus. "This marks the beginning of a new era of basic flight training in the Netherlands, which will set a new standard that other air forces will surely follow."
The latest version of the PC-7 MKX is not only a technological masterpiece, but also an example of the advanced integration of simulators and practical flight exercises. This mix of theory and practice, supported by modern training aids, will optimally prepare trainees for further training and the challenges of military flight.
Looking to the future: Further calls for tenders and international attention
Pilatus is confident that the new PC-7 MKX training system will also attract great interest internationally. "Through this contract, we will put the brand new PC-7 MKX into service together with a comprehensive range of training aids to ensure seamless integration of the training system," explained Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President Government Aviation at Pilatus. The successful conclusion of this contract for the Dutch Air Force could trigger a domino effect with other countries also showing interest in this advanced training system.
With the delivery of the PC-7 MKX, the Royal Netherlands Air Force will benefit from the latest developments in aviation training. The system is designed not only to teach flying skills, but also to integrate the effective use of modern technologies such as virtual reality and simulation methods into military training. These technologies will play a central role in the training of military pilots and will form the basis for the future aviation generation.
and 