Thales has been selected by Pilatus Aircraft to supply its radio management system for a fleet of PC-7 military trainer aircraft operated in Europe.
The French group said the system is intended to improve operational performance and communication reliability during training missions, providing what it described as more robust, resilient, and flexible communications for evolving mission requirements. It will also expose student pilots to digital environments earlier, which they are likely to encounter later in operational service.
Thales did not publicly identify the operator or disclose the number of aircraft covered by the contract.
“Together, we have come up with a system offering a high-level of efficiency, which will enable these aircraft to carry out extremely demanding missions,” said Nicolas Bonleux, Vice-President, Aerospace Communications, Thales.
The award comes as the Pilatus PC-7 MKX attempts to establish itself in Europe’s basic military training market. The Swiss plane maker secured commitments from the Netherlands, France, and Belgium, resulting in a combined 49 aircraft sold across the three countries.
By linking its communications equipment to the expanding PC-7 operator base in Europe, Thales is positioning itself inside a training ecosystem that is becoming increasingly standardized around the Pilatus platform.
The PC-7 MKX is pitched by Pilatus as a modern basic trainer built around the Garmin G3000 PRIME cockpit, designed to prepare students for later conversion to frontline jets, transport aircraft, or helicopters.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force became the launch customer for the PC-7 MKX training system, with Pilatus saying deliveries are planned for the first half of 2027. Pilatus’ 2025 annual report states that the Dutch service will operate eight PC-7 MKXs along with associated ground-based training systems.
France followed with its Mentor 2 training renewal, with Pilatus initially announcing a fleet of 22 PC-7 MKX aircraft for the French Air and Space Force, also with deliveries due from 2027.
Belgium then selected the PC-7 MKX in November 2025, ordering 18 aircraft plus an integrated ground-based training system under a 20-year service contract. Training is scheduled to begin in 2028 after delivery of the aircraft, simulators, and supporting infrastructure.
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