French Navy Elite Squadron Receives Second Pilatus PC-24
The French Navy's Escadrille 57S has taken delivery of its second Pilatus PC-24, part of a lease of three Swiss business jets replacing Dassault Falcon 10 MER aircraft.
The French Navy's elite flight squadron Escadrille 57S has received its second Pilatus PC-24, according to a report. The aircraft, registered F-HJAI, was handed over at the end of August.
The squadron is transitioning from Dassault Falcon 10 MER aircraft to the Swiss-made PC-24. In late August 2025, the French Navy signed a contract to lease three PC-24s through Jet Aviation France for about ten years. Deliveries are scheduled for early 2026, late 2026, and early 2027, but the first aircraft arrived in March and the second in August. The three Dassault Falcon 10 MER will remain in service until 2027, when the third PC-24 is delivered.
The Pilatus PC-24 is known for its versatility. It can operate from unpaved runways thanks to its landing gear. The jet has a range of up to 3,600 kilometers and a cruising speed of 780 km/h.
Sources
- aerotelegraph.comFranzösische Elite-Flugstaffel erhält zweiten Pilatus PC-24