훈련기 프랑스, 필라투스 PC-7 MKX 훈련기 주문

[위종민]

프랑스가 공군 및 해군의 시러스 SR20과 그롭 120A 를 대체할 신형 기본훈련기로 필라투스 PC-7 MKX를 선정해 22기를 발주했네요. 2027년부터 인도 예정입니다. 

France orders Pilatus PC-7 MKX for basic pilot training

France buys 22 Pilatus PC-7 MKX aircraft for basic military pilot training

ByClément Charpentreau

March 5, 2025, 18:09 (UTC +3)

Defense

Pilatus

The French Directorate General of Armaments (Direction Générale de l’Armement, DGA) has officially selected the Pilatus PC-7 MKX as the new basic training aircraft for the French Air and Space Force (Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace) and the French Navy. The delivery of the fleet of 22 trainer aircraft is set to begin in 2027. 

The ‘Mentor 2’ program, which aims to consolidate and upgrade France’s basic flight training capabilities, also includes 12 simulators developed by Exail. These simulators, along with ground-based training tools, will be deployed at Salon-de-Provence Air Base, the home of the École de l’Air et de l’Espace, France’s military aviation academy. 

On January 10, 2025, the DGA confirmed that Babcock International France Aviation had been awarded the ‘Mentor 2’ contract, following a formal notification issued on December 31, 2024. This 17-year contract covers the delivery, deployment, and operational management of the new PC-7 MKX training system, integrating both live flight training and ground-based simulation. 

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Modernizing and streamlining the French Air and Space Force trainer fleet 

According to the DGA, the contract represents the final phase of a multi-year effort to modernize the training pipeline for fighter and transport pilots. The new system is designed to streamline training at a single site, using a single aircraft type, with a greater emphasis on simulation and modern educational tools.  

The DGA emphasized that this modernization would improve training quality, reduce course duration, and ensure seamless continuity between basic and advanced training phases. It added that the PC-7 MKX will offer a training experience much closer to the operational aircraft that the cadets will fly later in their careers. 

RELATEDFrance bids adieu to Dassault Alpha Jet as fighter training aircraft

The PC-7 MKX will replace the Cirrus SR20 and Grob 120A, which have served as France’s primary basic training aircraft. It will join the Pilatus PC-21, already in service for advanced training at Base Aérienne 709 in Cognac-Châteaubernard since 2018. France currently operates 26 PC-21s, acquired in two batches to replace the TB-30 Epsilon and the Alphajet. 

With the PC-7 MKX taking over the basic training phase, France will exclusively rely on Pilatus aircraft for all military pilot training stages, from initial flight to advanced qualification. 

RELATEDRoyal Netherlands Air Force becomes launch customer for Pilatus PC-7 MKX trainer

On February 2, 2025, the Royal Netherlands Air Force (Koninklijke Luchtmacht) officially became the launch customer for the PC-7 MKX, securing a contract with Pilatus to modernize its basic pilot training program. Delivery of the new aircraft and integrated training solutions is scheduled for the first half of 2027. 

[백선호]

프랑스는 알파 제트 퇴역시키면서 PC-21로 훈련시키고 바로 라팔 태운다고 합니다.

https://aviationweek.com/defense/light-attack-advanced-training/opinion-military-jet-trainer-becoming-obsolete

France, arguably Europe’s most advanced air force, has adopted a complete training system called the Mentor program that is being delivered by British company Babcock International. It trains pilots right up to conversion onto the Dassault Rafale; training occurs entirely in Pilatus PC-7 and PC-21 turboprops. The old Alpha Jets were retired without direct jet replacement.

[위종민]

전투기를 라팔과 미라지 2000 두 기종만 운영해서 가능한 걸지도 모르겠네요. 미국처럼 전투기 파일럿들 중에서도 A-10(이젠 양성 안하겠지만), F-16, F-15, F-35, F-22 처럼 코스 나눠 교육할 필요가 없으니...