Key Developments

In January 2022, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a leading aerospace and defense company in India, successfully demonstrated the capability of its Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) to perform six-turn spins on both left and right sides. This milestone is significant for the aircraft, which is designed for Stage II training of Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots, enhancing their training experience and safety in flight maneuvers.
In December 2021, Turkish Aerospace, a prominent player in the aerospace and defense industry, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL MIAT). This collaboration aims to enhance aerospace education, technical training, and applied research programs in Malaysia, facilitating the development of skilled professionals in the aviation sector.
In July 2021, the French Air Force, officially known as l'Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace, placed an order for nine additional Pilatus PC-21 aircraft. Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., a Swiss manufacturer renowned for its advanced training aircraft, will supply these planes to enhance the French military's training capabilities, building on the previous purchase of 17 PC-21s in 2017. The new aircraft will replace older twin-engine jet trainers and are set to be stationed at the Cognac-Châteaubernard air base starting in 2023.
In September 2020, Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a subsidiary of Textron Inc. specializing in military aircraft, announced that it had secured a USD 162 million contract from the Royal Thai Air Force for military training aircraft. The deal includes 12 Beechcraft T-6C Texan II aircraft, which will be manufactured in Wichita, along with related training systems, spare parts, and ground support equipment. This acquisition is part of Thailand's modernization efforts to enhance its military training capabilities.