Indonesia orders 12 Pilatus PC-24 jets for military transport and training

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence has ordered 12 Pilatus PC-24 aircraft to support air force transport, liaison and pilot training missions, marking a further expansion of the Swiss manufacturer’s presence in Southeast Asia.

The contract, signed with PT E-System Solutions Indonesia, also includes an option for additional aircraft as well as a broader support package covering training, spare parts, ground equipment and technical services from Pilatus Aircraft.

The PC-24 was selected for its operational flexibility, including the ability to operate from short and unpaved runways—an important requirement in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands where access to remote ??????? remains a logistical challenge. The aircraft is also certified for single-pilot operations and equipped with a cargo door, enabling a wide range of missions.

In parallel, the parties signed a letter of intent for the potential acquisition of 24 Pilatus PC-21 trainer aircraft, along with associated training systems and support infrastructure.

Pilatus Chief Executive Markus Bucher said the agreement marked the start of a long-term partnership, while the company’s head of government aviation, Ioannis Papachristofilou, pointed to growing demand for multi-role aircraft among military operators.

The deal underscores a broader trend among air forces toward versatile platforms capable of combining training and operational roles, particularly in geographically complex environments.