Leonardo and CAE have officially revealed the establishment of a collaborative venture known as Leonardo CAE Advanced Jet Training Srl, aimed at enhancing the operations of the International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Italy. This joint initiative will offer extensive training support services, encompassing complete maintenance and operation of the M-346 aircraft along with its associated ground-based training system, as well as the management of IFTS base facilities.
The IFTS, a distinctive alliance between the Italian Air Force (ItAF) and Leonardo, has been established to provide a thorough lead-in to fighter training for both the Italian Air Force and international clients. The advanced training curriculum at IFTS, based on Phase IV of the Italian Air Force syllabus, benefits from the M-346 ground-based training system, including the sophisticated full-mission simulator co-developed by Leonardo and CAE.
Currently, the IFTS resides at the 61st Wing – Galatina (in the Apulia Region of Southern Italy) Air Force Base. It is set to transition, starting in 2022, to the Decimomannu Air Force Base in the Sardinia Region (Southern Italy), where a ceremonial groundbreaking event was held in December 2020 to officially commence the development of a state-of-the-art flight training facility.
‘Our dedication to providing IFTS customers with a top-tier training capability is further evidenced by our selection of CAE as our IFTS partner. This joint venture offers an optimal framework to enhance our productive collaboration on the M-346 ground-based training system while ensuring the agility and flexibility necessary to meet the diverse and specific needs of our clients,’ stated Marco Zoff, Managing Director of Leonardo Aircraft Division. ‘The combined expertise of Leonardo, CAE, and the esteemed Italian Air Force will guarantee high-caliber training for contemporary air forces at reduced costs to meet the increasing demand for advanced flight training.’
The industrial collaboration between Leonardo and CAE, through this joint venture, will oversee and execute the daily functions of the IFTS. The IFTS will manage a fleet of 22 M-346 advanced jet trainers, an aircraft that boasts a variety of integrated training features supporting extensive live, virtual, and constructive training exercises. Instruction will be provided by a team of active-duty Italian Air Force pilots alongside highly-skilled former military instructor pilots from various nations.
‘CAE and Leonardo share a rich industrial history, and we are delighted to jointly invest with Leonardo and the Italian Air Force in this pioneering public-private partnership to run the International Flight Training School,’ remarked Marc-Olivier Sabourin, Vice President and General Manager, Defence & Security International at CAE. ‘The collaboration between Leonardo and CAE will bolster the M-346 Integrated Training System, a vital component of a forward-thinking and innovative Lead-In to Fighter Training (LIFT) program for the next generation of pilots.’
