Pilatus Co-ops With Lockheed Martin on 5th-Gen Fighter Training

Pilatus and Lockheed Martin announced terms of an “offset project” that will see the two companies cooperate on technology and developing avionics and training functionality for a next-generation military pilot training system. The program will focus on the Pilatus PC-21 single-engine turboprop training platform. “This will allow Pilatus to provide a bespoke pilot training solution to customers operating the F-35 and other fifth-generation frontline aircraft,” Pilatus said.

The move was prompted, in part, by a Swiss agreement in 2022 to buy Lockheed Martin F-35As. “The Swiss government’s purchase of the F-35A is linked to a commitment by Lockheed Martin to implement offset projects in Switzerland equal to 60 percent of the contract value,” according to a joint statement.  “These projects benefit various sectors of Swiss industry, including aerospace.”

Lockheed Martin will supply Pilatus with data and support for the next-gen training system. The training regime will be custom-designed for all fifth-generation fighter operators, but with a focus on nations operating the F-35. Markus Bucher, Pilatus CEO, said, “This technology transfer is a win-win situation for all three parties, and for Switzerland. Thanks to this cooperation, we can continue to supply our customers with the world’s most advanced training system.”