Italy Showcases International Military Flight Training

The International Flight Training School (IFTS), located in Decimomannu, Italy, recently held a military pilot wings graduation ceremony attended by Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The school, established in 2018 as a collaboration between the Italian Air Force and Leonardo, is dedicated to training military pilots from air forces worldwide.

Focusing on Phase IV of the training syllabus—the pre-operational phase—IFTS prepares pilots to operate fourth- and fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The campus spans over 130,000 square metres, with 35,000 square metres of covered space. Central to its training is a fleet of 22 M-346 (T-346A) aircraft, supported by Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) technology and advanced simulators to deliver complex training scenarios with reduced environmental impact.

IFTS currently trains aviators from 12 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and Germany. With a capacity of approximately 80 pilots per year, the academy plays a growing role in strengthening international defence cooperation and contributes to the local economy in Sardinia.

The July 2 ceremony marked both the achievements of newly graduated pilots and IFTS's expanding role in global military aviation training.