French Air Force Buys Another Nine PC-21s

July 16, 2021 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764101298781-202

Pilatus Wins French Air Force Contract for Additional Training Aircraft

The French Air Force has selected Pilatus to supply nine additional PC-21s as part of its training programme. Breaking Defense reports that the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace will deploy the aircraft at Cognac-Châteaubernard air base, where they will join a fleet of 26 PC-21s. The order is expected to secure jobs in Switzerland, where the PC-21s are produced. Pilatus CEO Markus Bucher praised the French Air Force’s professionalism and expressed confidence in the company’s training system.

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Key Takeaways

The Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace has ordered nine more PC-21s.
Training system to be deployed at Cognac-Châteaubernard air base.
PC-21 fleet will increase to a total of 26 aircraft.

Pilatus

Strategic Implications

This contract may indicate the French Air Force’s continued reliance on Pilatus training systems. The PC-21’s efficiency and cost-effectiveness could suggest a shift towards turboprop-based training, potentially impacting the market for conventional jet trainers.