Jet Trainer / Light Attack
Pilatus PC-21
The Pilatus PC-21 is a Swiss turboprop trainer made by Pilatus Aircraft, in service since 2008. Designed to train fighter pilots, it has been ordered by more than 300 aircraft for air forces including Saudi Arabia, Australia, Spain and France.
Switzerland|Pilatus AircraftWhat Is the Pilatus PC-21? Overview, History and Development
Pilatus designed the PC-21 to train pilots of modern fighters, and it first flew on 1 July 2002. Service began in 2008 with the Swiss Air Force and Singapore. A Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68B turboprop of 1,600 shp gives it a top speed of about 685 km/h, a cruise of about 620 km/h, a ceiling of about 11,580 m and a range of about 1,333 km. It has a glass cockpit, a head-up display, Martin-Baker ejection seats and a pressurised cockpit.
About 210 or more have been delivered, with more than 300 ordered by the end of 2025. Approximate fleets include Saudi Arabia 55, Australia 49, Spain 40, France 26, the UAE 25, Qatar 24, Singapore 19, Jordan 12 and Switzerland 8, with Canada ordering 17. Australia uses it as the RAAF’s main trainer from 2019. Spain is ordering 40 as the T-31. Unit price is about US$10 million, with full training systems priced higher. It is a turboprop, not a jet, and unarmed as a trainer.
Pilatus PC-21 Specifications: Speed, Range, Engines and Armament
Pilatus PC-21 Variants and Versions Compared
The PC-21 is the standard export trainer used by air forces on several continents.
The PC-21 for the RAAF is part of a 49-aircraft training system with simulators.
The PC-21 for Spain, designated T-31, is on order for 40 aircraft.
Which Countries Use the Pilatus PC-21? Operators and Users
Switzerland
Singapore
UAE
Australia
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
France
Spain
Jordan
CanadaPilatus PC-21 FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does a Pilatus PC-21 cost?
A Pilatus PC-21 costs about US$10 million per aircraft, according to estimates. Complete training systems with simulators cost more. Buyers usually purchase a whole training system, and Australia’s order of 49 aircraft included simulators and support.
How fast is the PC-21?
The Pilatus PC-21 has a top speed of about 685 km/h and cruises at about 620 km/h. Its ceiling is about 11,580 m and its range is about 1,333 km.
Is the PC-21 a jet?
No, the Pilatus PC-21 is a turboprop, not a jet. It uses a 1,600 shp PT6A-68B engine and is designed to mimic jet trainer performance.
How many PC-21 have been built?
About 210 or more Pilatus PC-21s have been delivered, and more than 300 had been ordered by the end of 2025. Pilatus says more orders exist.
PC-21 vs T-6 Texan II: which is better?
The PC-21 is faster and more fighter-like than the T-6 Texan II, but it also costs more. The T-6 is more widely used.
Which countries use the PC-21?
Saudi Arabia, Australia, Spain, France, the UAE, Qatar, Singapore, Jordan and Switzerland use the Pilatus PC-21. Canada is ordering 17, and Türkiye does not use it.