The first Pilatus PC-7 MKX trainer aircraft produced for the Royal Netherlands Air Force successfully completed its maiden flight on September 7, 2026. The flight took place at Buochs Airfield, located next to Pilatus headquarters in Stans, Switzerland, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defense.
The Netherlands has placed an order for eight PC-7 MKX aircraft and four full flight simulators to replace its aging basic training fleet. Production officially commenced in February 2026, with the first three aircraft assigned to support flight testing as well as instructor and technician training. The Royal Netherlands Air Force expects the first aircraft to enter operational service in May 2027, with full delivery of the complete training system scheduled for completion by September 2027.
Designed for basic military flight courses, the PC-7 MKX prepares trainee pilots before they transition to advanced military aircraft. The aircraft features Martin-Baker ejection seats and custom-adapted Garmin G3000 Prime integrated glass cockpits with tailorable displays. Performance specifications provided by Pilatus include a maximum operating speed of 300 knots indicated airspeed, a maximum climb rate of 2,675 feet per minute, and maneuverability limits ranging from +7 to -3.5 Gs.
The Dutch delivery contributes to a broader European adoption of the PC-7 MKX trainer platform. France previously selected a package of 22 aircraft scheduled for delivery starting in 2027 under a 17-year training agreement involving Babcock France. Additionally, Belgium approved a 20-year training services agreement in November 2025 covering 18 PC-7 MKX aircraft, with aircraft deliveries slated for 2027 and pilot training scheduled to commence in 2028 at Beauvechain Air Base.
