Babcock secures EUR 795 million contract to train French military pilots

The contract encompasses not only pilot training but also through-life support for the aircraft, infrastructure, and pilot equipment. Each year, approximately 120 student pilots will undergo 11,000 flight hours and 6,500 simulator hours, preparing them for specialised roles as fighter or transport pilots.

This agreement will generate over 100 new jobs in the Salon-de-Provence and Le Cannet-des-Maures regions. Engineers, technicians, project managers, and administrators will contribute to delivering high-quality training while enhancing the operational readiness of the French military.

Babcock has been collaborating with the French Air and Space Force since 2018, supporting training at Cognac-Châteaubernard Air Base with simulators and 26 PC-21 aircraft. This latest contract cements Babcock’s role as a key partner in developing cutting-edge training systems for military aviation.

Pierre Basquin, Babcock’s Chief Executive Aviation and CEO France, commented: “The French Air and Space Force and French Navy are central to both national and international security. We are honoured to strengthen our partnership by providing long-term support for their air-based training needs.”