The Belgian government has ordered 18 Pilatus PC-7 MKX training aircraft, along with a complete Ground-Based Training System, for the Belgian Air Force.
On November 27, 2025, a 20-year service contract was approved with the Swiss aerospace manufacturer to provide training services for the PC-7 MKX. The deliveries of the aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2027.
“We are proud to welcome Belgian Defense as a new Pilatus customer and the third European air force to select the PC-7 MKX,” said Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus. “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.”
In a statement, Pilatus confirmed that the training solution includes not only 18 aircraft but also training tools, creating a fully integrated system.
The manufacturer said it will provide simulators, computer-based training platforms, and mission planning and debriefing systems as part of the complete PC-7 MKX training system.
Training for Belgian Air Force pilots is set to start in 2028, after the infrastructure and flight simulators have been delivered and instructors are trained on 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 chose the PC-7 MKX Training System in late 2024.
In addition to the integrated training system, Pilatus has said that – along with its Belgian partners Sabena Engineering and AG Real Estate – it will provide new and upgraded facilities at Beauvechain Air Base.
Pilatus introduced the PC-7 MKX at the Dubai Airshow in November 2021.
This new trainer features an upgraded cockpit equipped with three high-definition displays. It also comes with Martin-Baker Mk11A ejection seats, which enhance safety and allow for early instruction of student pilots in ejection procedures.
