RAF pilots training in Italy as part of international scheme

A small but growing number of Royal Air Force pilots are training at the International Flight Training School (IFTS) at Decimomannu Air Base in Sardinia, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

In a response to a Parliamentary Question from Ben Obese-Jecty MP (Conservative – Huntingdon), Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Defence Luke Pollard stated that “UK pilot training at the International Flight Training School at Decimomannu air base in Sardinia commenced in July 2023.”

So far, no Royal Navy pilots have undergone training at the facility.

According to Pollard, six RAF pilots completed their training at the Sardinian base during the 2024–25 training year. Looking ahead, the Ministry forecasts that “a further two RAF pilots are forecast to complete their training during 2025–26 and three in 2026–27.”

Separately, Pollard addressed a further question about the cost of outsourcing fast jet pilot training to other nations.

He confirmed that while such training is conducted under Government-to-Government agreements, the specific cost details are being withheld, citing commercial confidentiality: “Outsourcing services are negotiated Government to Government via Memorandums of Understanding and Technical Arrangements and therefore it would be inappropriate to disclose specific cost detail.”

The use of the International Flight Training School forms part of wider efforts by the RAF to maintain pilot throughput during pressures on the UK’s domestic training pipeline, ensuring that fast jet training standards are met ahead of operational flying roles.

International Flight Training School

The International Flight Training School (IFTS) is a collaboration between the Italian Air Force, Leonardo S.p.A., and CAE. It was originally based at Lecce-Galatina Air Base in southern Italy, but since 2022, operations have transitioned to a new campus at Decimomannu Air Base in Sardinia. The facility provides Phase IV (Lead-In Fighter Training) instruction, preparing pilots for operational fast jet duties.

The school utilises a fleet of Aermacchi M-346 Master jet trainers equipped with Leonardo’s Embedded Tactical Training System (ETTS), allowing live, virtual, and constructive training scenarios to be seamlessly integrated. Alongside live flight instruction, the school also employs high-fidelity ground-based simulators and training management systems.

Students from international partners, including Germany, Qatar, and Japan, have trained at the IFTS, highlighting its growing role as a leading international centre for military aviation training.