Belgian Defence and Pilatus Target 2028 Opening of Beauvechain Military Pilot Training Centre

Belgium – Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus and Belgian Defence have marked a construction milestone for the new Basic Flight Training Capability (BFTC) centre at Beauvechain Air Base, following a foundation-stone ceremony on 6 October 2026. The facility will integrate aircraft, flight simulators and ground-based training infrastructure, with the first Belgian military pilot trainees expected to begin using the new system in 2028.

• The training system will comprise 18 Pilatus PC-7 MKX aircraft under a 20-year service agreement, with aircraft deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. Belgian Defence's contractual requirements include the daily availability of at least 15 aircraft and support for up to 6,000 flight hours annually.
• Two buildings are being developed at Beauvechain: a Basic Flight Training School (BFTS), accommodating theoretical instruction, flight simulators, digital learning tools and virtual reality applications; and a Maintenance and Sheltering Building (MSB), providing aircraft storage and maintenance facilities.
• Pilatus is the prime contractor responsible for delivering the aircraft, simulation equipment and associated training support. Belgian industrial partners AG Real Estate and Sabena Engineering are participating in the infrastructure development and long-term operational support arrangements.
• The new PC-7 MKX fleet will replace the Belgian Air Force's SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 training aircraft, which are scheduled for retirement in 2027. Before student training commences, instructors will undergo familiarisation with the new aircraft and training system, while the simulator and supporting infrastructure must be commissioned.
• AFM previously reported that the Belgian government approved the PC-7 MKX training system in November 2025. The October 2026 ceremony marks progress on the infrastructure component of the existing contract.
• The planned basic training syllabus will include 120 flight hours and 50 simulator hours, with additional specialised instruction for future fighter pilots. The training system is expected to incorporate a PC-7 MKX Full Flight Simulator with a 270-degree panoramic visual system and additional Flight Training Devices (FTDs). Pilatus' ground-based training solution also includes computer-based instruction, mission planning and debriefing systems, while the aircraft features Garmin G3000 PRIME avionics.

About Pilatus Aircraft
Pilatus Aircraft is a Swiss aircraft manufacturer founded in 1939 and headquartered in Stans, Switzerland, producing business aircraft and military training systems including the PC-7 MKX and PC-21. The company employs more than 3,500 people and provides aircraft, simulator systems and associated services to government and commercial aviation customers internationally.

Source: Pilatus Aircraft; Belgian Defence