NATO's air forces cannot afford not to have the necessary aircrew trained to the latest standard. Geopolitical tensions worldwide require air forces to be ready to fly the newest generation platforms, which operate in entirely new ways compared to previous generations. While the cost of training such a force is high, not having a force trained to the state-of-the-art standard may prove catastrophic. Looking towards its members, the alliance launched NATO Flight Training Europe, a high visibility aimed at increasing cooperation and rationalising resources across borders to ensure state-of-the-art training is delivered cost-effectively. Its activities are not only limited to member states but industry as well. Learn more about this crucial programme with our interview with NSPA’s Principal Officer and MFT 2025 conference speaker, Jason Hawker, where he covers:

• The latest updates on the NFTE.
• Insight into the impact of the newly created NATO Industrial Advisory Group NIAG.
• An understanding of what the future holds for the programme.
  

The Italian Air Force has undergone some of its most essential transformations in decades. The advent of new data processing-related technologies, such as Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, as well as the rising complexity of the near-peer threat, means that ITAF's Military Flight Training needs to adapt to ensure it remains a tier 1 Air Force. We had the privilege to interview ITAF AETC Commander Lt. General Silano Frigerio, who touched on a number of themes, including:

• The vision, trends, and threats ahead
• Important nuances related to military flight training
• Key skills and abilities new pilots need to develop
  

The adoption of the F-16 by the Ukrainian Air Force has received much fanfare in the media, as many still see it as the premier fighter for several air forces worldwide. In the eyes of many, this conflict allows the F-16 to do what it was designed to do: deliver air superiority against Russian fighters. Unfortunately, integrating the F-16 is easier said than done, as it requires a shift in logistical needs, a rethink of Ukrainian Air Force doctrine, and, most importantly, extensive training. Former Deputy Head of the Kharkiv Air Force University shares his thoughts.

In preparation for the modernisation programmes set to culminate in 2035, the Canadian Airforce, more specifically the 2 Canadian Air Division, is endeavouring to best prepare its training for the arrival of the next generation of Aircraft. To delve into this topic, we were privileged to interview Commander Brigadier General John Alexander. Here, he covers:

• 2CAD modernisation efforts
• Success factors of the Canadian Military Flight Training
• Key differentiators of 2CAD versus other allies
  

Several nations have developed or are developing 4.5th, 5th, or even 6th-generation fighters and the next generation of military helicopters and transports. The shift in capabilities afforded by the new generation of aircraft, combined with other challenges, such as budget constraints and pilot retention, have dramatically affected the Military Flight Training sector. Perhaps most radically, near-peer competition has put additional strains on global air forces to ensure their pilots can face opposing forces with comparable capabilities. Taking notes of these trends and forecasting the markets will be essential for developing partnerships between industry and the forces, and with this in mind, we are offering this market report, which covers:

• The most important and valuable programmes globally
• Trends which each continent is following
• Spending forecasts in military flight training
  

With a CAGR of 7%, this report of the most active markets shows a bright future for military flight training. The growth is due to a robust acquisition of next-generation aircraft and rotorcraft for training. At the same time, there is a concrete effort to develop virtual and synthetic capabilities for cost and carbon reduction. These factors result in a dynamic market that aims to prepare the next generation of aviators as best it can, while facing the challenges posed by the pilot shortage and the adoption of 4th generation and above aircraft. This document is a must-read for anybody in the MFT environment.

In this bespoke piece, Colonel Timothy E. Beers covers the state-of-play of the Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation (AFAMS). As an agency that champions multi-domain training and readiness through modelling and simulation, they operate at the very cutting edge of M&S concepts and technologies by encouraging innovation to meet future operational needs. This interview covers:

• the immediate plans of the agency
• how to best engage with them at MFT
• a taster of what he will cover at MFT
  

Joachim Hofbauer gives a first-hand interview on the NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE). The multinational initiative essentially brings a new way to train aircrews. Described as the “New Kid On the Block”, the initiative has the potential to revolutionise training through the creation of a “google flights” like capability for managing multinational aircrew training from its inception to its end. The piece delves into to the current state-of-play, opportunities, and challenges relating to the programme.

Military Flight Training finds itself at a very interesting time as new technologies present new opportunities and challenges. Synthetic training, for example, presents an opportunity to train at relatively low cost, but a worry persists that an over reliance on this technology might further reduce flying hours, which are seen as essential. In this interview, Major General Phillip Stewart of the 19th Air Force is asked about the current trends and directions Military Flight Training is taking. He covers:

• The changes he hopes to bring as head of the 19th Air Force
• How pilots are being prepared for 5th generation fighters
• How pilot training is transforming to meet the individual needs
  

Group Captain Mike Jordan has recently been promoted to commandant of the Central Flying School (CFS) in the UK. Responsible for training instructors, he gives an exclusive interview to Defence iQ where he gives insight into:

• The current state-of-play in military flight training
• The challenges and opportunities faced by the CFS
• The implications of the rise of synthetic training
• What he will bring to the school
  

Defence iQ had the privilege to interview Gp Capt. Higgins from the Central Flying School (CFS) based at RAF Cranwell. He is part of an RAF unit, which assures the quality and excellence of aircrew instruction. The interview gives insight into the “modus operandi” of one of the top tier aircrew training organisations in Europe. 

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Colonel Bradley M. “Critter” Crites is commander of the Air  Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation (AFAMS), which is the lead agent for centralized management of Air Force cross- functional and shared live, virtual and constructive operational  training (LVC-OT) foundational capabilities and resources supporting the Air Force service core functions. As commander, Crites is responsible for overseeing Air Force initiatives for enterprise solutions that will help build an efficient foundation to achieve “Readiness Thru LVC,” and allow warfighters to maximise performance and decision-making.

LVC will be a key theme at the Military Flight Training 2017 event. Read this interview to get a senior U.S. perspective on approaching LVC training...

The Military Flight Training Conference remains the go-to conference for cutting-edge thinkers and industries interested in rising to the challenge faced by our modern air forces in all things concerning training. This post-show report of last year's conference highlights the success and accomplishments we aim to surpass this year. From a summary of the presentations to attendee testimonials and more, this document engenders all the reasons why it is an event you cannot afford to miss if you work in this space.

Pilot retention remains one of the main challenges for modern air forces. Major Rosenqivist, MFT Project Manager of the Swedish Airforce, shares his views on how the SWAF has addressed this challenge. Through a combination of the “Swedish Mindset”, new training tools and partnerships, Sweden has, in many ways, become a benchmark in pilot retention. Major Rosenqivist reflects on Sweden's progress while briefly reflecting on the implications of Sweden joining NATO.

This Article:

• Covers Sweden's relative success in pilot retention

• Discusses Swedish cultural impact on pilot training

• Poses the question of where Swedish Pilot training goes from here within NATO

In this exclusive interview, Air Commodore Jamie H Hunter, Director Flying Training of the Royal Air Force discusses the current state of pilot training in the RAF and their plans for the future. He shares insight into the balance between live and synthetic training, his approach towards pilot shortage and the pull from commercial airlines, and why he sees LVC as the key to a more cost-effective training solution and the challenges associated with it.

Air Commodore Hunter will be speaking at this year’s Military Flight Training conference, held in the context of a rapidly evolving threat environment which pushes air force leaders to transform and accelerate training to equip Airmen with the needed skills without compromising the depth of learning and quality of training.

Download the interview now >>

Key benefits of downloading the interview:

• Understand the RAF’s view on the balance of live and synthetic training, and how AI will revolutionise pilot training from Air Commodore Hunter who will attend Military Flight Training
• Learn more about the RAF’s current approach to dealing with pilot shortage from Air Commodore Hunter who will attend Military Flight Training
• Learn how the Royal Air Force is planning to accelerate the pilot training pipeline to close the pilot shortage gap, from Air Commodore Hunter who will attend Military Flight Training

In this interview, Air Commodore Hunter answers the following questions:

• The balance between live and synthetic training is an ongoing discussion within air forces globally. What is the approach of the Royal Air Force on this issue?
• With the current Tempest programme moving ahead, how is the Royal Air Force planning to adapt the pilot training syllabus to prepare for the integration of next generation aircraft into the Air Force’s fleet?
• There is currently a big issue around pilot shortage in air forces globally. How is the Royal Air Force currently approaching the hiring and retaining of pilots while “competing” with commercial airlines?
• How do you envision overcoming pilot shortage in the future? How is the Royal Air Force planning to accelerate pilot training pipeline to close the pilot shortage gap?
• In your opinion, what solution could be the key to a cost-effective pilot training? Is it outsourced training, LVC, a mix between live and synthetic training etc.?
• The UK is partnering with the U.S. on the Pilot Training Next programme which uses virtual reality systems to train pilots. Do you see this collaboration as the start of standardized flying training across NATO?

At the Military Flight Training conference, Air Commodore Jamie H Hunter will discuss training airmen and airwomen of the future. To download the full agenda and see who will join him on the speaker panel, please click here. 

The World’s Air Forces operate 9,495 fixed-wing training aircraft and helicopters with almost 500 currently on order. Ahead of Military Flight Training 2022, Defence iQ compiled the annual update of its report outlining country-by-country programmes and requirements from Air Forces around the world. 

Download the report now>>>

This report offers insights into the activity of nations that will be present at Military Flight Training, such as:

• Argentina - 10 IA-63 Pampa IIIs are to be procured by the Argentine Air Force by 2024

• Australia - Request for Information (RFI) was released to industry in 2020 to replace the Hawk 127 advanced jet trainer

• Bangladesh - A contract has been signed for 24 G.120TP basic trainers. They will replace the current PT-6 aircraft

• Canada - with programmes and contracts ending in the next few years, bids for new training programmes have started and new aircrafts may be required as part of these bids.

• Israel - 5 Leonardo AW119Kx training helicopters are being procured to add to the 7 ordered in 2019

• Malaysia - A tender was launched in June 2021, for the procurement of 18 Fighter Lead-In Trainer Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT-LCA)

• Pakistan - super Mushshaq basic trainers are being equipped with new avionics suites

• Sweden - 7 Grob 120TPs were ordered in May 2021 for delivery from May 2022

Download the report to know more in-depth programmes and requirements of the World’s Air Forces.

To learn more about who you can meet at Military Flight Training 2022, you can grab a copy of the agenda here.

CAE has been on a buying binge, including a major rival in defense training. MS&T Editor Rick Adams, FRAeS, spoke with leaders of the blending companies.

While the world was preoccupied with the pandemic, CAE went shopping. 

To read this insightful article please click HERE