Aircraft
French Choose Babcock and PC-21 for Future Pilot Training
British company’s French subsidiary will partner with Dassault for a service contract that has similarities with the new UK flying training system
The Pilatus PC-21 may be flying in formation with the Patrouille de France display team more often, now that the Swiss turboprop has been chosen as the new French air force trainer in a service contract won by Babcock. (Pilatus)
The Pilatus PC-21 may be flying in formation with the Patrouille de France display team more often, now that the Swiss turboprop has been chosen as the new French air force trainer in a service contract won by Babcock. (Pilatus)

The French subsidiary of Babcock, the British provider of defense services, confirmed its selection to provide future fast jet pilot and navigator training aircraft for the French air force under a service contract lasting 11 years. Babcock Mission Critical Services France (BMCSF) is buying 17 Pilatus PC-21 turboprop trainers and forming a joint company with Dassault. Simulation specialist CAE will provide ground training devices under a subcontract. The new requirement is known by the French acronym FOMEDEC, meaning the modernized and differentiated training of fighter aircraft crews.