Dutch Ministry of Defence selects Pilatus for new training aircraft

The selection process had been ongoing for some time, with interest also shown by Brazilian company Embraer. The planned purchase will include eight new aircraft and two simulators, forming a crucial part of pilot training for the F-35A Lightning II and other military aircraft used by the Dutch Air Force.

Although the specific model from Pilatus has not been officially disclosed, it is likely to be the PC-21. A complaint lodged by one of the competing bidders has delayed the final contract signing, pending a court decision.

According to the schedule, the first aircraft, along with necessary support equipment, will be delivered in the first half of 2027. The eight planes are expected to accumulate 2,150 flight hours annually, while simulators will add another 2,650 hours of training. The entire infrastructure will support the training of up to 60 pilots.

Pilatus’s PC-21 is a leading product in the turbo-prop training aircraft sector, already in use in countries such as Spain, France, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Over 200 units have been sold worldwide.