International Flight Training School (IFTS)

Leonardo and CAE formed a joint venture called Leonardo CAE Advanced Jet Training Srl to manage and operate the International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Italy. The IFTS delivers comprehensive lead-in fighter training to the Italian Air Force and third-party customers. The IFTS is currently located at Galatina Air Force Base in Lecce, Italy and will operate there through 2021. Concurrently, a new training centre facility is being constructed at Decimomannu Air Base on the island of Sardinia where the IFTS will relocate in 2022.

The IFTS provides a comprehensive Phase IV lead-in fighter training program based on the Italian Air Force syllabus. The program includes classroom, simulator, and live-flying training utilizing the Leonardo M-346 advanced jet trainer and ground-based training systems jointly developed by CAE and Leonardo.

The Italian Air Force conducts its lead-in fighter training at the IFTS and third-party customers are invited to sign a government-to-government agreement with Italy to send students to the IFTS.

Our Customers

Pilots

Training Environment

Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) training environment

Academic / Classroom Training

Networked Simulator / Training Devices

Live Flying Training

Capabilities

Phase IV Lead-in fighter training program

Phase IV lead-in fighter training program based on the Italian Air Force syllabus

Customised teaching modules according to the syllabus of the incoming Air Force

M-346 Qualification (comprehensive type conversion with basic elements of A2A and A2G in LVC environment)
Air-to-Air (A2A)
Air-to-Ground (A2G)
Emergency Recurrent Training
Advanced Air-to-Air (A2A) – optional
Night Vision Goggles (NVG) – optional
Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) – optional
Air-to-Ground Live Range (A2G) - optional

Each module follows the Italian Air Force (ItAF) syllabus, with each option priced individually. Partner nations select modules to fit operational requirements and budget profiles.

Complete Lead-in Fighter Training (LIFT) course, using a balance of synthetic training hours to complement and inter-operate with live flying hours.

Leonardo M-346 advanced jet trainers

Ground-based training systems (GBTS), including CAE’s new Medallion MR e-Series visual system