Pilatus PC-7 MKX: A New Milestone with Initial Certification
Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus has achieved a significant milestone with the initial certification of its PC-7 MKX basic trainer aircraft. The company announced this achievement on March 3, 2026, following a successful year in 2025, during which the airframer secured commitments for 49 units from three European nations.
The PC-7 MKX is an enhanced and modernized version of the iconic Pilatus PC-7 MkII. It features upgraded avionics, state-of-the-art cockpit displays, and integration with ground-based training systems (GBTS). The GBTS includes computer and simulator technology along with virtual reality and mixed reality training tools, making it a comprehensive “smart basic training system.”
European military customers include Belgium (18 aircraft), France (23 aircraft), and the Netherlands (8 aircraft). The Royal Netherlands Air Force, as the launch customer, is scheduled to receive its first PC-7 MKX deliveries starting in the first half of 2027. These aircraft will replace the aging fleet of 13 baseline PC-7s currently in service.
The PC-7 MKX has been selected by several European air forces as their primary military pilot training platform. It combines proven reliability with cutting-edge technology. The aircraft features new multi-function displays, improved aerodynamics with updated wingtips and spinner design, while maintaining the robust aluminum structure that has made the PC-7 series successful for decades.
Source: Flight Global