Image source: topwar.ru
The French Navy will be the first in the EU to start using the PC-24 multifunctional jet aircraft by signing a lease agreement with Jet Aviation France. The aircraft, developed by the Swiss company Pilatus, will be put into service in February 2026. The contract involves the purchase of three such aircraft by the French Navy initially.
The PC-24 is characterized by high operational flexibility, the ability to operate a single pilot, the presence of a standard cargo hatch (door) and the ability to take off and land on unpaved runways.
Image source: topwar.ru
These characteristics, according to the French Navy, make it ideal for performing various government tasks such as pilot training, cargo transportation and communications.
Jeremy Kaye, President of Jet Aviation, noted:
Ioannis Papachristofilou, vice president for Government Aviation at Pilatus, stated:
The newest version of the PC-24 has an increased flight range and payload, as well as a more spacious cabin compared to business jets, which can cost twice as much. The aircraft is also equipped with an intelligent Pilatus Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE) approved for single-pilot operation.
For reference: the first flight of the PC-24 Pilatus took place in 2015. The cost of such an aircraft is currently estimated at 12 million euros. It has not yet been reported how much France pays for the planes.
The ceiling is 13.7 thousand meters, cruising speed is 814 km/h.
The PC-24 aircraft are operated by the Swiss and Qatari Air Forces.
