Netherlands signs for new Pilatus trainer aircraft

A file photo of a PC-7 MKX trainer aircraft of the type that the Netherlands has now ordered with deliveries to commence from 2027. (Pilatus)

The Netherlands has signed for new Pilatus PC-7 MKX turboprop trainer aircraft four months after selecting the type in October 2024 to replace its ageing PC-7s from the same Swiss manufacturer.

Announced by the Dutch Minister of Defence (MoD) on 7 February, the deal covers eight PC-7 MKX aircraft and four flight simulators to replace 13 PC-7 aircraft that have been in Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) service since 1988.

“The new aircraft for the Elementary Military Pilot Training (EMVO) is the PC-7 MKX. For this purpose, two contracts were signed today at Woensdrecht Air Base with the Swiss company Pilatus,” the MoD said. “The purchase of the equipment is laid down in the first contract. This not only concerns the training aircraft and simulators, but also all kinds of high-quality teaching materials […] The second contract arranges the maintenance of the equipment for the first five years.”

In selecting Pilatus Aircraft, the MoD said the near like-for-like replacement means that the existing personnel and physical infrastructure can be used, thus saving money. The MoD expects the current training aircraft and associated equipment to be disposed of and replaced by 2027.

As noted in Janes World Air Forces