This article is based on official announcements from Pilatus Aircraft and SkyAlyne.

First Royal Canadian Air Force PC-21 Completes Maiden Flight in Switzerland

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has moved one step closer to revitalizing its pilot training infrastructure. On February 26, 2026, the first Pilatus PC-21 destined for Canada successfully completed its inaugural production test flight. According to an announcement from Pilatus Aircraft, the flight took place at the manufacturer’s facility in Stans, Switzerland, marking a critical milestone for Canada’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Program.

Designated as the CT-157 Siskin II by the RCAF, this aircraft represents the first of 19 trainers ordered to modernize Canada’s military flight instruction. The successful sortie, which lasted approximately one hour and 15 minutes, verified the functionality of the engine, flight controls, and avionics systems against manufacturing specifications.

A New Era for Canadian Pilot Training

The flight of the first CT-157 Siskin II is a tangible result of the massive CAD 11.2 billion FAcT Program contract awarded in May 2024. SkyAlyne, a joint venture between Canadian aviation leaders CAE and KF Aerospace, manages the 25-year contract to overhaul aircrew training for the RCAF. Under this program, the PC-21 will replace aging fleets, including the CT-156 Harvard II and the CT-155 Hawk, consolidating training into a unified, modern system.

According to program details released by SkyAlyne, the PC-21 is not merely a replacement but a technological leap. The aircraft is designed to bridge the gap between primary flight training and the cognitive demands of fifth-generation fighters like the F-35. Charles Caldwell, SkyAlyne’s Program Manager for FAcT, emphasized the importance of this development in a recent statement:

“This is a very exciting milestone in the progression of the program. PC-21s (CT-157s) have been identified as the ideal advanced training platform for RCAF pilots and are an integral piece of the FAcT program.”

Aircraft Specifications and Capabilities

The PC-21 is widely regarded as the world’s most advanced turboprop trainer. Data from Pilatus Aircraft confirms that the CT-157 Siskin II is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68B engine, capable of delivering 1,600 shaft horsepower. This power allows the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 370 knots (685 km/h) and sustain G-forces ranging from +8G to -4G, simulating the physical environment of high-performance combat jets.

Inside the cockpit, student pilots will encounter a “glass cockpit” environment featuring heads-up displays (HUD) and mission management systems that replicate modern frontline fighters. This configuration allows the RCAF to offload training hours from expensive jet platforms to the more cost-efficient turboprop without sacrificing the quality of avionics training.

Strategic Timeline and Deployment

Following this successful first flight, the aircraft, bearing serial number 157201 and the temporary Swiss test registration HB-HXA, will undergo further testing. SkyAlyne expects the delivery of the first aircraft to Canada in the second half of 2026. The fleet will eventually be stationed at 15 Wing Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan, which serves as the hub for Canadian military-aircraft pilot training.

The name “Siskin II” pays homage to the Armstrong Whitworth Siskin, one of the RCAF’s first fighter aircraft from the 1920s. By reviving this historical name, the RCAF links its heritage to its future, as the FAcT program aims for full operational capability by 2029.

AirPro News Analysis

The successful flight of the CT-157 Siskin II highlights a broader global trend in military aviation: the “downloading” of advanced training syllabus items onto high-performance turboprops. Historically, students moved quickly from basic props to jet trainers like the Hawk. However, as the operating costs of jet trainers rise and the avionics of frontline fighters become more complex, air forces are turning to platforms like the PC-21 to teach mission management earlier in the pipeline.

For Canada, this shift is also a matter of sovereign industrial capability. While the airframe is Swiss, the engine is Canadian-made by Pratt & Whitney Canada. This alignment supports the government’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy, ensuring that defense spending recirculates within the Canadian aerospace sector. By joining other top-tier operators such as Switzerland, Australia, France, and the UK, the RCAF is standardizing its training regimen with NATO allies, potentially facilitating easier cross-training and interoperability in the future.

Sources

Sources: Pilatus Aircraft (Twitter/X), SkyAlyne / KF Aerospace Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Dassault Aviation.

Dassault Aviation 2025 Results: Rafale Surges While Falcon Faces Supply Chain Headwinds

Dassault Aviation reported strong financial results for the full year 2025, driven largely by the continued dominance of its defense sector. In a financial release published on March 4, 2026, the French aerospace manufacturer revealed that adjusted net sales climbed to €7.42 billion, surpassing its previous guidance of €7 billion. This represents a 19% increase over the €6.23 billion reported in 2024.

The company’s performance highlights a “two-speed” dynamic currently affecting the manufacturer. While the Rafale fighter program exceeded delivery targets and secured major export orders, the civil aviation segment struggled to meet its goals. For the third consecutive year, Falcon business jet deliveries fell short of guidance due to persistent supply chain constraints.

Despite these industrial challenges, the company’s backlog reached a record €46.6 billion, providing significant visibility for the coming years. Management has issued a positive outlook for 2026, forecasting revenue growth to approximately €8.5 billion as production rates ramp up to meet global demand.

Financial Performance Overview

According to the consolidated financial results released by the company, Dassault Aviation achieved growth across key profitability metrics. Adjusted operating income rose to €635 million, up 22% from €519 million in 2024. This improvement pushed the operating margin to 8.6%, a slight increase from the previous year’s 8.3%.

Adjusted net income remained relatively stable at €1.06 billion. The company noted that this figure was impacted by a specific €67 million tax surcharge in France; without this exceptional item, net income would have seen more substantial growth. Reflecting this stability, the Board proposed a dividend of €4.78 per share, up slightly from €4.72 in 2024.

Order Intake and Backlog

Total orders intake for 2025 stood at €10.94 billion, comparable to the €10.87 billion recorded in 2024. The backlog as of December 31, 2025, grew by 8% to €46.6 billion. This backlog is heavily weighted toward the defense sector, which now accounts for 220 Rafale aircraft (175 for export and 45 for France), compared to 73 Falcon business jets.

Defense Sector: The Rafale Powerhouse

The defense segment continues to be the primary engine of growth for Dassault Aviation. The company delivered 26 Rafale aircraft in 2025, beating its own guidance of 25. Of these deliveries, 15 were for export customers and 11 were for the French military.

Commercial momentum for the fighter remains robust. The company secured orders for 26 Export Rafale aircraft during the year. A significant portion of this intake is attributed to the Indian Navy’s selection of the Rafale Marine variant, a deal that cements India’s status as a critical strategic partner for French aerospace.

To meet this swelling demand, Dassault Aviation confirmed it is executing a plan to increase Rafale production capacity. The target for 2026 is to reach a rate of three aircraft per month, with potential for further increases to satisfy the backlog of 220 fighters.

Civil Aviation: Supply Chain Struggles

In contrast to the defense sector, the Falcon business jet division faced significant industrial hurdles. The company delivered 37 Falcon jets in 2025, missing its target of 40 aircraft. While this is an improvement over the 31 units delivered in 2024, it marks another year of missed expectations.

CEO Éric Trappier has previously highlighted the complexity of the current industrial environment. In remarks cited alongside the results, management pointed to late component deliveries that forced the company to perform “gymnastics on the assembly line” to complete aircraft. These bottlenecks remain the primary constraint on civil deliveries.

Despite production difficulties, demand for business jets showed resilience. The company recorded orders for 31 Falcon jets in 2025, an increase from the 26 ordered the previous year. However, the civil backlog contracted slightly, dropping from 79 aircraft in 2024 to 73 at the end of 2025.

2026 Outlook and Guidance

Looking ahead, Dassault Aviation provided confident guidance for 2026, signaling an intent to overcome supply chain friction and accelerate deliveries.

• Net Sales: Expected to rise to approximately €8.5 billion.
• Rafale Deliveries: Targeted at 28 aircraft (up from 26 in 2025).
• Falcon Deliveries: Targeted at 40 aircraft (re-stating the missed 2025 target).

The company also noted that its 2025 results and 2026 guidance do not account for potential new U.S. tariffs, which management warned could impact the competitiveness of Falcon jets in the North American market.

AirPro News Analysis

The 2025 results underscore a strategic shift in Dassault Aviation’s gravity. For decades, the company balanced itself on two legs: civil and defense. Today, the defense leg is doing the heavy lifting. The backlog disparity, 220 Rafales versus 73 Falcons, suggests that for the medium term, Dassault is effectively a defense contractor with a business jet division, rather than a balanced aerospace conglomerate.

The “gymnastics” required to build Falcons highlights a broader industry vulnerability. While the Rafale supply chain appears more insulated, likely due to sovereign prioritization by French suppliers and government backing, the civil supply chain is exposed to global volatility. If the company cannot stabilize Falcon production rates in 2026, it risks losing market share to competitors like Gulfstream and Bombardier, who are aggressively pushing their own new models.

Sources

Sources: Dassault Aviation: 2025 Annual Results Financial Release

This article summarizes reporting by The Economic Times.

Ministry of Defence Signs ₹5,083 Crore Deal for ALH Mk-III Helicopters and Shtil Missiles

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has finalized two significant procurement contracts valued at a combined ₹5,083 crore ($600 million approx) to enhance the nation’s maritime security and air defence capabilities. According to reporting by The Economic Times, the deals involve the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III for the Indian Coast Guard and Shtil-1 air defence missiles for the Indian Navy.

Signed on March 3, 2026, these contracts underscore a dual strategy of bolstering indigenous Manufacturing under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative while maintaining critical strategic defence cooperation with Russia. The acquisitions are expected to plug operational gaps in coastal surveillance and warship protection.

Boosting Coastal Security with Indigenous Helicopters

The larger of the two contracts, valued at ₹2,901 crore, was awarded to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of six ALH Mk-III helicopters. These rotorcraft are designated for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and fall under the “Buy (Indian-IDDM)” category, which prioritizes indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured equipment.

As detailed in the contract specifications, the ALH Mk-III is a multi-role platform tailored for maritime operations. Key features include:

• Powerplant: Twin Shakti-1H1 engines designed for high-altitude and maritime performance.
• Surveillance: A 270-degree Radar-Systems and multi-spectral Electro-Optical (EO) pod for long-range detection.
• Medical Capabilities: A removable Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) for critical evacuations.

The Ministry of Defence highlighted the economic impact of this deal, noting that the project will involve a supply chain of over 200 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This ecosystem is projected to generate approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment within the Indian aerospace sector.

“The helicopter deal supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission, involving over 200 MSMEs.”

, The Economic Times

Strengthening Naval Air Defence

The second Contracts, worth ₹2,182 crore, was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport of Russia for the procurement of Shtil-1 vertical launch surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). These systems are intended to serve as the primary medium-range air defence shield for the Indian Navy’s frontline warships.

According to technical details released regarding the acquisition, the Shtil-1 system offers rapid-reaction capabilities against aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, and anti-ship missiles. The system is capable of engaging targets at ranges from 3.5 km to 50 km and altitudes up to 15 km. The missiles are likely destined for the Navy’s Talwar-class frigates and Delhi-class destroyers, ensuring these vessels remain defensible in contested waters.

AirPro News Analysis

This dual procurement highlights the pragmatic approach currently driving Indian defence policy. While the government aggressively pushes for indigenization, evidenced by the ₹2,901 crore order for HAL, it acknowledges that specific high-end capabilities, such as medium-range naval air defence, still require reliance on established partners like Russia.

The repeat order for the ALH Mk-III is particularly significant for HAL. Following the previous induction of 16 units by the Coast Guard between 2021 and 2022, this follow-on contract signals operational satisfaction with the platform. It validates the helicopter’s performance in rigorous maritime environments, potentially paving the way for future export opportunities to friendly nations looking for cost-effective maritime patrol solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total value of the contracts signed?
The total value of the two contracts is ₹5,083 crore.

Who will manufacture the helicopters?
The six ALH Mk-III helicopters will be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru.

What is the purpose of the Shtil-1 missiles?
The Shtil-1 missiles are vertical launch surface-to-air systems designed to protect Indian Navy warships from aerial threats, including enemy aircraft and missiles.

When were these deals signed?
The contracts were signed on March 3, 2026.

Sources

• The Economic Times