Exail contracted by Babcock France to provide simulators for Mentor 2 programme

Defence technology group Exail has been contracted to work with Babcock France on the French armed forces’ Mentor 2 programme, the company announced on 19 May 2025.

Awarded by the French Armed Forces Ministry through the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) defence procurement agency, the 17-year Mentor 2 contract will see Exail supplying advanced flight simulation systems to support pilot training in the French Air and Space Force and French Navy.

Under the contract Exail will design and deliver a dozen simulators for the Pilatus PC-7 MKX: the latest single-engine turboprop trainer from Swiss aerospace manufacturer Pilatus that incorporates extended reality (XR), encompassing both virtual and mixed-reality technology, into its training system.

The French Air and Space Force currently operates 26 PC-21 turboprop trainers, which were delivered from 2018. However, under the Mentor 2 contract, which the DGA announced had been awarded to Babcock France on 10 January 2025, Babcock is acquiring 22 Pilatus PC-7 MKXs in addition to the 12 simulators from Exail, all of which will be based at Base Aérienne 701 Salon-de-Provence.

The simulator suite that Exail will deliver includes several interconnected mixed-reality flight training devices equipped with XR headsets, interactive touchscreens and high-fidelity simulation software. An ejection training simulator will also be delivered to support safe, realistic emergency procedure training.

“Combining immersive technologies with tactile open-cockpit layouts and customisable scenarios, this solution provides pilots with an autonomous, realistic learning environment. It marks a first-of-its-kind capability in France for military flight training in mixed reality,” Exail stated in a press release.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Exail as part of the prestigious Mentor 2 programme,” Bruno Mandon, director of military aviation support at Babcock France, was quoted as saying by Exail. “This strategic partnership allows us to strengthen our expertise and deliver innovative solutions for military training.”

“Being selected for this prestigious programme is a powerful recognition of Exail’s expertise in defence aviation training,” added Charles Le Bot, head of simulation activities at Exail. “It confirms our ability to deliver tailored, high-performance solutions that meet the strategic needs of the French armed forces.”