Construction of New PC-7 Training Aircraft for the Netherlands Begins

Construction of new PC-7 training aircraft for the Royal Netherlands Air Force officially began on February 23 in Switzerland.

The production covers eight aircraft for the Elementary Military Pilot Training (EMVO) program, where future Dutch air force pilots receive initial flight instruction. The first aircraft is scheduled to enter service in May 2027.

The defense ministry is also procuring four flight simulators and related training equipment to support both airborne and ground-based instruction.

The first aircraft will now move into the next phase of production, while assembly of the second and third aircraft begins simultaneously. The initial three aircraft will be used for testing before delivery and for retraining instructors and technicians. The remaining five will be delivered in phases.

All aircraft, simulators, and training equipment are expected to be delivered by September 2027.

In October 2024, the ministry announced plans to replace its existing training aircraft and simulators, citing the nearing end of their technical service life. The new system is intended to align pilot training with the operational requirements of modern fighter jets and other aircraft.