Belgian Defence taps PC-7 MKX for flight training

The Belgian Government has selected the Pilatus PC-7 MKX Training System as the new training solution for the Belgian Air Force. A fleet of 18 PC-7 MKX plus integrated Ground-Based Training System will replace the existing training aircraft used to provide basic training of military pilots with deliveries scheduled to start in 2027. On November 27, 2025, the Belgian Government approved the award of a comprehensive 20-year service contract to Pilatus to provide training services based on the PC-7 MKX. The comprehensive training solution encompasses not only the 18 aircraft but also advanced ground-based training tools, forming a fully integrated system. Pilatus will deliver state-of-the-art simulators, computer-based training platforms and mission planning and debriefing systems, ensuring seamless training continuity from classroom to cockpit. Alongside the integrated training system, Pilatus, together with its Belgian partners Sabena Engineering and AG Real Estate, will deliver new and upgraded infrastructure at Bevekom/Beauvechain Air Force Base and ensure operational support for the next 20 years. Belgian industry will play a key role in the construction and ongoing maintenance of these facilities, as well as in providing comprehensive In-Service Support for the aircraft. Training is planned to start in 2028, once the infrastructure and flight simulators have been delivered and instructors have been familiarized with the new pilot training system. With the planned introduction of the PC-7 MKX for basic training, Belgium will join the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force and the French Air and Space Force, both of which selected the PC-7 MKX Training System in late 2024. Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, said: “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.” Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President Government Aviation at Pilatus, added: “This contract is based on a services business model that allows Belgian Defense to benefit from a comprehensive fully integrated training system, while ensuring long term financial predictability. We are looking forward to serving Belgian Defense over the next years along with our Belgian industrial partners and providing a leading-edge training capability.” The Pilatus PC-7 MKX introduces a modern cockpit built around the Garmin G3000 PRIME suite. Combining Pilatus’ long-standing expertise in pilot training with Garmin’s advanced technology, the result is a highly intuitive and dependable environment for training from day one. This collaboration marks the first integration of the G3000 with custom user-defined displays, creating a flexible platform tailored to military training needs. By blending Pilatus’ training philosophy with Garmin’s open architecture, the PC-7 MKX sets a new benchmark for next-generation military pilot training. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]