A little history... In 1999 Pilatus Aircraft, famous for their PC-12 small passenger aircraft and the PC-7 and PC-9 jet trainers, began the development of a new generation of turboprop jet trainers. The result of that program was the Pilatus PC-21, a sleek modern trainer designed to operate for 30 years per airframe, at costs below that of existing advanced trainers, but with better performance and flexibility.

Featuring a very advanced avionics suite, and integrating flexible computer systems, the PC-21 is truly cutting edge. The pilot's display is incredibly user friendly, featuring many items found only on the most advanced combat aircraft such as LCD MFDs, dual HUDs, HOTAS Throttle, a bird strike resistent canopy with excellent visibility and zero/zero ejection seats. The aircraft is designed to perform as a training platform for basic flight, advanced jet training and fighter tactics. It is also expected to be used in a COIN (Counter Insurgency) role by many of the world's smaller airforces, as the low cost makes it attractive to many such nations. The aircraft is capable of carrying a variety of weaponry on 5 hardpoints mounted under the wings and centerline of the aircraft.

The first prototype was flown in July of 2002, and the first aircraft were delivered to the swiss airforce in April of 2008. Singapore's Air Force has also recieved several of their production aircraft with 7 more to be delivered in August of 2008, replacing the SIAI Marchetti S.211's that were currently in service. It is expected that many other nations will adopt the aircraft as well.