According to the Technical Arrangement, signed in December 2023 between the Italian Air Force and the Swedish Air Force, arrived at the “F. Cesari” of Galatina the first four Scandinavian students, accompanied by their senior national representative, to undertake the flight training course that the Air Force also offers to various international partners.
The young cadets, after a short in-processing period at the Salento base, will begin the training course on January 22, 2024, at the 214th flight group. Phase II “Primary Pilot Training”, through which they will acquire the necessary basic knowledge and skills on military flying.
The training will continue with the next one Phase III Fighter Track "Specialized Pilot Training", managed by the 213th group, which, through more advanced and specific preparation, will allow them to reach the most important and significant stage in this long road that leads to full operational capability: the achievement of the military pilot.
Once the turreted eagle, which distinguishes military pilots, has been pinned on the chest, the process will continue within the 61st wing under the guidance of the 212th group/IFTS, at theInternational Flight Training School of Decimomannu, an innovative and cutting-edge training campus, the result of the collaboration between the Air Force and Leonardo SpA
This is how it will begin Stage IV “Lead-In to Fighter Training”, a path which, through the use of the highly advanced Integrated Training System 346 (ITS-346), will allow an easier transition to operational use on latest generation aircraft.
Sweden joins the numerous nations that over the years have chosen the Air Force and the 61st wing, demonstrating the recognized international value of the quality of the training offered by the Salento flight school. For col. Vito Conserva, Commander of the 61st Wing, “the increasingly significant presence of foreign personnel does nothing but confirm the continuous growth of our school, now a consolidated center of excellence for flight training based on the most modern structures of the Italian Air Force”.
