The agreement was signed separately by Lieutenant General Antonio Conserva, Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, and Lieutenant General Brian S. Robinson, Commander of the U.S. Air Force Air Education & Training Command. It marks a historic milestone in transatlantic cooperation, representing the first time U.S. aviators will receive training in a NATO country outside the United States.
According to the Italian Ministry of Defence, the decision to place American personnel at IFTS highlights the school’s unique capabilities and reputation for excellence. The T-346A aircraft, used as the advanced trainer in Italy, was considered decisive in the U.S. choice, as it closely mirrors the performance and role of the new T-7 Red Hawk, the USAF’s forthcoming trainer aircraft.
Ten American student pilots are scheduled to begin courses at Decimomannu later this year. Their instruction will follow the “Multiphase Jet Training Integrated Syllabus,” developed jointly by the Italian Air Force and USAF, and will allow students to qualify for their Military Pilot License on the T-346A in approximately nine months.
The IFTS was established through a partnership between the Italian Air Force and Leonardo Corporation, and is managed by the 212th Squadron of the 61st Wing. Operating from Decimomannu Air Base, the school combines advanced aircraft, state-of-the-art simulators and modern training facilities to deliver an integrated programme for Italian and international trainees.
The Italian Air Force has emphasised that the agreement demonstrates confidence between allied air forces and confirms Italy’s expanding role within NATO training structures. The Ministry of Defence described the arrangement as “a demonstration of trust between allied air forces and recognition of Italy’s ability to host high-level training programs.”
For Washington, the cooperation provides access to an established NATO hub at a time when increasing pilot throughput and improving interoperability with allies are strategic priorities. Training alongside Italian personnel will expose U.S. Air Force students to multinational environments and familiarise them with NATO operational standards.
The arrival of U.S. trainees represents a new chapter for the IFTS, which has already attracted interest from several allied nations seeking advanced fighter pilot training. With this agreement, the school strengthens its position as a central NATO training facility, preparing the next generation of allied fighter pilots in a joint environment.
