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Pilatus Wins $5.6 Billion in India’s Basic Trainer Contract

  • 12:00 AM, May 11, 2012
  • 3631
After running trials for two years, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the purchase of 75 Pilatus PC-7 MK II basic trainers for the Indian Air Force. During the Thursday meeting, the committee headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh approved the deal to strengthen the IAF’s training capabilities. Produced in Switzerland, the Air Force will receive the Pilatus-made 75 PC-7 MK IIs in addition to the 106 which will be produced locally by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). Competitors that underwent trials include Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano, Raytheon T-6 Texan, Alenia Aermacchi M-311, Grob G120TP, KAI KT-1 and Airbus Military-promoted PZL-130 Orlik. Pilatus is expected to begin delivery 12 aircraft in the first batch within two years of signing the contract.
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