First Dutch PC-7 MKX Trainer Flies Ahead of 2027 Service
The Royal Netherlands Air Force's first Pilatus PC-7 MKX trainer has completed its maiden flight. The Netherlands has ordered eight aircraft and four simulators, with the first expected to enter service in May 2027.
The first Pilatus PC-7 MKX for the Royal Netherlands Air Force has completed its maiden flight. According to the Dutch Ministry of Defense, the flight occurred on September 7, 2026, at Buochs Airfield in Switzerland.
The Netherlands has ordered eight of the new trainer aircraft and four simulators. The first aircraft is slated to enter service in May 2027. Full delivery of the entire training package, including ground equipment, is scheduled for completion by September 2027.
These aircraft will be used for the basic military flying course. The ministry stated that its existing trainers are nearing the end of their service life. The new PC-7 MKXs are intended to better prepare student pilots for the modern aircraft they will later fly.
Programme and Production Timeline
Production of the Dutch aircraft formally began in February 2026. The first three aircraft off the line will support testing and the training of instructors and maintenance technicians. The remaining five aircraft will follow in stages leading up to the service entry.
Aircraft Specifications and Role
The PC-7 MKX is designed for the initial phase of military pilot training. It prepares students who may progress to fighters, multi-engine aircraft, or helicopters. The aircraft is equipped with Martin-Baker ejection seats for safety.
Key performance specifications for the trainer, as listed by Pilatus, are provided below.
| Specification | Performance |
|---|---|
| Maximum Operating Speed | 300 knots indicated airspeed |
| Maximum Climb Rate | 2,675 feet per minute |
| Maneuvering Limits | +7 / -3.5 Gs |
The cockpit is fitted with Garmin G3000 Prime avionics, adapted for military training with customizable displays. For the French order, the aircraft will also include a head-up display. Pilatus says this will provide greater commonality with the more advanced PC-21 trainer used later in the syllabus.
European Training Fleet Renewals
The Dutch order is part of a broader European move to modernize military training fleets. France has selected a package of 22 PC-7 MKX aircraft, with deliveries also scheduled for 2027. This forms part of the 'Mentor 2' program, which includes a 17-year services contract with Babcock France. The package involves simulators, computer-based instruction, and mission planning equipment.
France already operates 26 PC-21s for advanced training. Adding the MKX allows Pilatus to supply aircraft and training systems across successive stages of the French pilot training syllabus.
Belgium followed suit, selecting 18 PC-7 MKXs under a 20-year training services agreement approved in November 2025. Deliveries are planned to begin in 2027, with training scheduled to start in 2028. That package also includes simulators, classroom tools, mission planning systems, and facility upgrades at Beauvechain Air Base. Pilatus and its Belgian partners will provide long-term infrastructure and operational support.
