The French Navy will become the first in Europe to operate the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet, leasing three aircraft for training, transport, and liaison missions.
The planes will be leased from Jet Aviation France, which is acquiring them directly from Swiss manufacturer Pilatus.
The first delivery is scheduled for February 2026.
Pilatus stated that the initiative reflects the company’s strategy to expand its government aviation activities beyond training missions.
The PC-24 is certified for single-pilot operations and features a standard cargo door.
It can operate on unpaved runways and is approved for a range of government missions.
The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 440 knots (815 kilometers/506 miles per hour) and a service ceiling of 45,000 feet (13,716 meters).
It also has a maximum takeoff weight of 18,740 pounds (8,500 kilograms) and measures 55 feet 2 inches (16.8 meters) in length and 17 feet 4 inches (5.3 meters) in height.
Pilot Training Partnership
The announcement builds on France’s ongoing collaboration with Pilatus to modernize pilot training across its armed forces.
The partnership involves several French companies and focuses on the Pilatus PC-7 MKX training aircraft.
In May, Exail and Babcock France signed an agreement to provide advanced flight simulation systems for training French Air and Space Force and Navy pilots on the PC-7 MKX.
The 17-year contract, awarded by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, covers the design, delivery, and long-term support of the systems.
In March, France ordered 22 PC-7 MKX aircraft, along with ground-based training systems developed in cooperation with local industry.
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