2026-10-07

Symbolic foundation stone laying ceremony marks a new era for the Belgian Air Force at Beauvechain Air Base
Beauvechain Air Base served as the backdrop for a major milestone in the modernization of Belgian military pilot training. During a press event, representatives from Belgian Defence, Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft, and industrial partner Sabena Engineering filled a time capsule with objects that will later be embedded into the brand-new infrastructure of the BFTC (Basic Flight Training Capability) program. Although a substantial portion of the structural framework is already visibly standing, this ceremony marks the official start of a new, integrated era in aviation training.
Through the Basic Flight Training Capability (BFTC) initiative, the Belgian Air Force is gradually bidding farewell to the familiar yet aging SIAI-Marchetti SF.260. Starting in 2028, the advanced Pilatus PC-7 MKX will make its debut at Beauvechain. Notably, Defence has opted for a lease structure rather than a traditional purchase. The contract encompasses not only the use of the aircraft, but a complete, fully integrated training capability. Consequently, the new complex on the base will not merely house the fleet, but will become a state-of-the-art training center equipped with high-end flight simulators and computer-based training facilities.
The project is the result of intensive international and public-private cooperation. In his address, Ioannis Papachristofilou, Vice President at Pilatus Aircraft, emphasized the significance of this partnership and brought along an authentic piece of Swiss stone:
"This stone represents the heritage of Pilatus and symbolizes the enduring partnership between Switzerland and Belgium. It is the cornerstone of our friendship and shared commitment to aviation training. Today, we are building more than just a facility; we are laying the foundation for a legacy for future generations of pilots and technicians."
Transitioning to the PC-7 MKX is essential to maintain seamless alignment with the latest generation of operational aircraft. While initial flight instruction was previously heavily analog, future pilots will soon step into a fully digital glass cockpit equipped with modern avionics and helmet-mounted displays.
Lieutenant General Lieven Vanheste, Director-General of Material Resources – Communication and Information Systems & Infrastructure, reflected on the progress made with great satisfaction:
"From the very beginning, this program was conceived around an integrated approach. It was not just about acquiring aircraft, but about developing a comprehensive training capability. Laying this first stone together today is testament to the dedication and professionalism of everyone who has contributed to this project."
The newly structured syllabus at Beauvechain will serve as the central hub for all flight training within the Belgian Air Force. Future F-35 fighter pilots, A400M transport pilots, and H145M helicopter pilots will all complete a shared core module on the PC-7 MKX comprising 120 flight hours and 50 simulator hours. Student fighter pilots will subsequently undergo an advanced specialized module.
To enhance training intensity and efficiency, the program is investing heavily in simulation technology. The center will feature a Full Flight Simulator offering a 270-degree panoramic field of view, complemented by additional Flight Training Devices (FTD) that replicate the cockpit down to the finest detail. Rather than replacing actual flight time, these simulators ensure student pilots step into the real cockpit fully prepared, maximizing the value of every hour in the air.
To bridge the transition period between the phase-out of the Marchetti at the end of 2027 and the arrival of the first PC-7 MKX in 2028, Defence is leveraging international bridging capabilities, including partnerships in the Netherlands and France. During our visit, we met two newly minted pilots, including a Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) pilot who had just earned his wings.
With this new complex, the Belgian Air Force is preparing to graduate approximately 20 new pilots per year over time—a vital capacity increase required to safeguard the operational readiness of Belgian Defence well into the future