The new Pilatus PC-7 MKX completed its first flight this September 7 at the Swiss manufacturer’s facilities in Stans, marking a double milestone: it was the first flight of an example destined for the Royal Netherlands Air Force and, at the same time, the flying debut of Pilatus’ new basic trainer.
The flight is a key step in the Dutch programme to renew its elementary military pilot training capability. The Netherlands was selected in 2025 as the launch customer of the PC-7 MKX, under a contract covering eight aircraft, four simulators and the associated instruction systems.
First Flight of the Royal Netherlands Air Force PC-7 MKX
A modernised PC-7 for military training
The PC-7 MKX derives directly from the proven PC-7 MkII, retaining much of its external configuration and aluminium structure. However, Pilatus introduced significant changes to the systems, avionics and instruction environment to adapt the trainer to the needs of a new generation of military pilots.
The main difference lies in the cockpit, equipped with three large high-definition multifunction displays, some with touch capability, which replace much of the traditional instrumentation. It also features Martin-Baker ejection seats and a redesigned air conditioning system.
Next-generation cockpit of the PC-7 MKX. Photo: Pilatus.
The upgrade is intended to help students become familiar, from the earliest stages of training, with the information management and digital avionics they will later encounter in higher-performance aircraft.
The concept goes beyond the aircraft itself. The Dutch programme includes a comprehensive ground training system, with simulators and digital mission planning and evaluation tools, as well as virtual, augmented and mixed reality technologies. In this way, part of the instruction can be moved to the ground environment before being brought to the aircraft.
Replacing the Dutch PC-7s
The Royal Netherlands Air Force currently operates 13 Pilatus PC-7s whose technical service life is nearing its end. The eight new MKXs will progressively replace these trainers within the Elementaire Militaire Vlieger Opleiding (EMVO), the initial stage in which future military pilots acquire basic flying skills.
The first aircraft are scheduled to be incorporated from May 2027, while the delivery of the eight aircraft, the four simulators and the rest of the training systems is expected to be completed in September of that year. The agreement also includes equipment maintenance for the first five years.
With the first flight of the PC-7 MKX, Pilatus opens a new chapter for one of its most renowned products. The manufacturer’s goal is not to radically change a platform that has already proven its effectiveness, but to combine its flight characteristics with a cockpit and a training system tailored to modern military aviation.