The Indian air force's first Pilatus PC-7 MkII basic trainer made its public debut at Aero India. So far, New Delhi has received two examples of the type, which in 2011 emerged victorious in a contest for 75 basic trainers.
Pilatus, however, denied widespread Indian media reports that India has exercised an option for 35 additional aircraft.
In May 2011, New Delhi signed a deal worth over Swfr500 million ($548 million) for the 75 aircraft. The successful conclusion of the deal was of great importance to the air force, which suffers from a severe shortage of modern trainer aircraft.
Source: Flight International
