On 8 September, for the first time, ten student pilots from the Royal Air Force they have started, at the airbase of Decimomannthe “Multiphase Jet Training” course, which will last around nine months and will give pilots the opportunity to obtain their military pilot licence on the aircraft T-346A, produced by Leonardo.
The course, the result of the agreement signed on 21 August between the’Italian Air Force and the United States Air Force, falls within the scope of the International Flight Training School (IFTS) training activities and testifies to the strength of cooperation between Italy and the United States.
The’International Flight Training School It arises from the strategic collaboration between the Air Force and Leonardo for the creation of an advanced flight training centre at the Decimomannu air base. The integrated training system, based on the M-346 aircraft (designated T-346A by the Air Force), allows real and simulated activities to be conducted jointly, preparing future pilots for the most complex operational scenarios and maximising the quality and effectiveness of the training outcome.
The flag of the United States joins those of other nations that already have student pilots and/or instructors at the IFTS: Saudi Arabia, Austria, Canada, Japan, Greece, Kuwait, Netherlands, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, and Hungary. The high number of countries involved confirms the international interest in the Italian training system, which is confirmed as a unique reality on the world stage.
The activity is part of the International Flight Training School (IFTS), a prime example of national institutional and industrial synergy capable of meeting the growing demand for advanced training for Italian military pilots and those from partner countries. The International Flight Training School is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Italian Air Force and Leonardo for the creation of an advanced flight training centre intended to become an international benchmark in military pilot training from Phase IV (Advanced/Lead-In to Fighter Training) onwards.
From this perspective, a modern training centre has been established at the Decimomannu airbase, built upon the use of the M-346 advanced trainer produced by Leonardo (designated T-346A by the Air Force). The aircraft and its integrated training system allow for the joint conduct of real and simulated activities, preparing future pilots for the most complex operational scenarios and maximising the quality and effectiveness of the training outcome.
Thanks to its characteristics, training path and cutting-edge technologies, the International Flight Training School in Decimomannu is a benchmark for the training of pilots destined for the latest generation aircraft, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon (F-2000) or the F-35.
