Article Posted on : - Feb 14, 2013

BDF PC-7 MkII Turbo Trainer Aircraft. Photo: Pilatus Aircraft.

BERN (BNS): With successful completion of delivery five new Pilatus PC-7 MkII aircraft will enter service with Botswana Defence Force (BDF).

Pilatus Aircraft held the formal handover ceremony of the BDF PC-7 MkII Turbo Trainer Aircraft on 8 February 2013 in Gaborone which was attended President of the Republic of Botswana and Commander-in-Chief, Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama.

In 2011 the BDF opted to replace the PC-7 with the more advanced and modern PC-7 MkII trainer aircraft. The PC-7 MkII has also been selected by other major Air Forces, the most recent order, subsequent to Botswana, being India.

All five new aircraft were delivered in 2012, four months earlier than originally planned, the company said.

The old PC-7s have also been phased out and from 2013 onwards all cadets can be trained on the new modern PC-7 MkII aircraft.

As in the past, the new aircraft will be operated and maintained by Botswana Defence Force personnel, supported by Pilatus Switzerland.