Preparing future pilots to operate fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft through an innovative training model focused on Phase IV of the syllabus – the pre-operational phase – is the mission of the International Flight Training School, Italy’s advanced training centre for military pilots from across the globe.
Spanning over 35,000 square metres of covered space within an area of more than 130,000 square metres, the IFTS campus offers a unique integration of live and virtual training. At the heart of this cutting-edge ecosystem is the M-346 (T-346A), with a fleet of 22 aircraft assigned to the school, and the use of Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) technology. State-of-the-art simulators enable dynamic and complex training scenarios, ensuring a high level of operational readiness while reducing environmental impact.
Established in 2018 as a strategic collaboration between the Italian Air Force and Leonardo, IFTS is today a global benchmark in military flight training. It currently trains aviators from twelve countries: Saudi Arabia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Qatar, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, and Hungary. With around 80 pilots trained annually–and capacity set to grow–the school not only strengthens international cooperation but also brings significant economic and employment benefits to the Sardinian region, positioning itself as a true Italian centre of excellence on the world stage.
Underscoring the strategic importance of IFTS to Italy and international defence, the Decimomannu base hosted the military pilot wings graduation ceremony on 2 July, attended by the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella. The event celebrated not only the achievements of the new pilots, but also the critical role played by the academy in shaping the next generation of military aviators.
What is the International Flight Training School and what are the capabilities of the M-346, the centrepiece of Leonardo’s training system?
This is explained by Commander Quirino Bucci, Head of Project Test Pilot Trainers at Leonardo’s Aeronautics Division.