Sweden will send its fighter pilots to begin flight training in Italy as soon as January 2024 under a new 10-year agreement between the militaries of the two countries.
As part of the deal signed on December 11, more than 100 Swedish military pilots will train at Italy’s International Flight Training School (IFTS) over the next 10 years.
Basic training will take place at Lecce Galatina Air Base (LIBN) near Lecce before sending pilots to IFTS in Sardinia, according to the details of the deal. At Galatina Air Base, the 61 Stormo (Wing) of the Aeronautica Militare will administer the training.
“This is a further significant step for the safety of European skies: finding agreements and synergies between countries that share spaces and orientations is always productive,” said General Luca Goretti, chief of staff of the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare). “Working with Swedish colleagues will represent an opportunity for growth for both countries.”
Fighter jet training program
The 10-year training deal is a partnership between the Italian Air Force and Leonardo S.p.A. for advanced fighter training utilizing the next-gen T-346A Integrated Training System. IFTS has a fleet of 22 T-346A aircraft capable of simulating F-35s, Eurofighters, and Gripens. Upon completion of the training, the Swedish flight instructors will serve as instructors at the IFTS.
“I am happy that the agreement has now been signed and that we have the necessary conditions to get started with qualified flight training that meets the requirements of the future,” Swedish Air Force Chief Jonas Wikman said.
Sweden joins growing list of countries training pilots in Italy
Sweden will be the first Nordic country to send its pilots to Italy for advanced training, marking a new milestone in the two European nations’ defense cooperation.
Sweden is the latest to join a growing list of countries sending their pilots for training at IFTS, including Austria, Canada, Germany, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, the Italian defense ministry said.
Agreement could bolster Sweden’s NATO bid
Stockholm’s decision to train its fighter pilots in Italy could strengthen its NATO membership bid. Sweden and Finland applied to join the NATO alliance in May last year, but only Finland was accepted due to Turkey’s block on Sweden, citing concerns about Kurdish separatists. Sweden has increased defense spending since then, including purchasing SMART-L long-range radar and ordering 400 light multi-purpose vehicles for its armed forces.