The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fleet of Pilatus PC-7 basic trainer aircraft have completed 200,00 accident free flying hours since their induction in May 2013.

The basic trainer is the mainstay of the IAF’s flying training fleet, which also includes the indigenously developed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) HJT-16 Kiran intermediate jet trainer and the BAE Systems Hawk Mk132 advanced jet trainer. 

IAF PC-7 MKIIs are based at the air force’s training academy located at Dundigal, Hyderabad in South India. 

The air force recently concluded a Follow on Support Contract (FOSC) with Pilatus for fleet support and is also in the process of indigenising various spares on the type to aid in fleet sustainability. 

India’s Ministry of Defence approved the purchase of 75 PC-7 MKIIs in May 2012 and the first aircraft was delivered in February 2013. The type entered service with the air force in May 2013 and the last of 75 aircraft was delivered by Pilatus in July 2018.