Aviation News – Belgium has approved the purchase of 18 new Pilatus PC-7 MKX turboprop aircraft to replace its ageing Marchetti SF-260 trainers, marking a significant modernization of the country’s military pilot training program.
The decision, confirmed by the Belgian Federal Cabinet, forms part of a €40 million per-year package that includes new training simulators, updated infrastructure at Beauvechain Air Base, and 20 years of operational support. The Marchetti SF-260 aircraft, which have served for 55 years, will be retired in 2027, with training on the new PC-7 MKX fleet set to begin in 2028.
Designed for entry-level flight training, the PC-7 MKX features advanced avionics, a digital cockpit, and training systems compatible with NATO operational standards. The upgrade is intended to align Belgium’s pilot training process with the needs of modern air forces and future fighter capabilities.
“With this decision, we are investing in the future of our military aviation,” said Defence Minister Theo Francken. “After France and the Netherlands, Belgium has now also opted for the latest PC-7 MKX from Pilatus, an aircraft that delivers outstanding training performance.”
The transition is expected to improve training efficiency, reduce maintenance demands, and ensure young pilots receive instruction on systems closer to those used in frontline aircraft. It also reinforces cooperation with European nations following similar modernization paths.
In the long term, the new fleet is expected to secure Belgium’s pilot training standards for decades. The move reflects a broader NATO-wide trend of replacing legacy aircraft to meet next-generation training and operational requirements.
Photo Jeroen Vogelaar
