In our latest infographic, 'What the 2026 UK Defence Investment Plan Says About Military Flight Training', we break down the key commitments, priorities and investment areas shaping the future of UK military flight training. This infographic provides a quick, accessible overview of what the Plan means for aircrew development, training capacity and operational readiness, helping defence stakeholders understand the direction of travel and the opportunities emerging across the military flight training landscape. 

Our 2027 Military Flight Training Interactive Market Report delivers a clear, data-driven analysis of the global training landscape. Designed as a fully accessible, interactive resource, it combines in-depth market intelligence, capability developments, procurement priorities, and perspectives from senior military leaders, enabling organisations to benchmark their programmes against international peers.

Explore the report today to identify emerging opportunities, anticipate future challenges, and make informed investment decisions aligned with your strategic objectives.

Military Flight Training 2026 brought together over 450 attendees from 23 nations at the Hotel & Conference Center Sempachersee, Switzerland, from 31 March to 2 April 2026. The event welcomed senior military leaders responsible for shaping the future of aircrew training, with attendees including the Commander of the Swiss Air Force, the Commander of the Nineteenth Air Force (U.S. Air Force), the Commander of the Italian Air Education and Training Command / 3rd Air Region, the Head of Flying Training at the Royal Air Force, and the Commander of the Tactical Leadership Programme. Together, they created a unique forum for international collaboration on the future of military flight training.

This report captures the key themes and takeaways from the conference. 

Authored by Colonel (Ret.) Viktor Kevliuk, former Head of Division at the Joint Operative HQ of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; Major (Ret.) Marvin Ybanez, former Pilot and Head of the Air Force Capability Building Department in the Philippine Air Force; and Mark Kuzmenko, Consultant for the Defence, Demining and Dual-Use Practice at DataDriven - this paper explores one of the most pressing questions in modern military aviation: should UAV operators be trained as pilots, technicians, or warfighters? Drawing on real-world experience and international comparisons, the authors consider how nations are redefining training, standards, and operational readiness for the unmanned era.

Across NATO, the way pilots are trained is changing fast. The NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE) initiative is leading that change, bringing together allied nations to develop a shared, modern approach to aircrew training. The goal is simple but ambitious - to make training more efficient, more connected, and better suited to the demands of today’s operational environment. In this conversation, Jas Hawker from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency explains how NFTE is building common standards and stronger partnerships across Europe. He also shares how collaboration with industry is helping to introduce the latest simulator and digital training technologies. Adding his perspective, Air Commodore Rob Caine of the Royal Air Force highlights why alignment, joint working, and shared experience are essential if future NATO pilots are to stay one step ahead.

Our 2026 Military Flight Training Interactive Market Report provides a clear, data-driven view of the global training landscape. It has been designed as a fully accessible and interactive resource, bringing together market analysis, capability developments, procurement priorities, and insights from senior military leaders to help organisations benchmark their programmes against international peers.

Take a look at our report today to better identify opportunities, anticipate challenges, and make informed, strategically aligned investment choices.

Air forces worldwide are grappling with pilot shortages, rapid technological evolution, and increasingly complex operational demands. The introduction of fifth-generation aircraft such as the F-35 is reshaping how nations approach pilot development. For Major General Christian Oppliger, recently appointed Commander of the Swiss Air Force, this transition represents both a technological leap and a complete rethink of how aircrews are trained, equipped, and retained.

In this interview ahead of Defence iQ’s Military Flight Training 2026 Conference, Major General Oppliger discusses the challenges and opportunities of integrating fifth-generation aircraft into Switzerland’s Air Force, balancing live and virtual training, and ensuring pilots are ready to meet the demands of future warfare.

Our Military Flight Training 2026 market report provides defence and industry professionals with a focused, data-driven overview of the fast-evolving global training landscape. Drawing on a combination of market analysis, capability assessments, procurement trends, and programme updates from key regions, the report highlights where investment is accelerating, which technologies are reshaping training pipelines, and how air forces are adapting to new operational demands.

By distilling the most relevant insights from selected high-priority markets, this report enables decision-makers, solution providers, and strategists to benchmark their plans, identify emerging opportunities, and understand the trajectory of pilot training transformation through 2030. It is a practical tool designed to support informed planning, competitive positioning, and long-term capability development in an increasingly contested and technologically complex environment.

This interview explores how the United States Air Force is reshaping pilot training to meet modern demands: embedding competency-based progression, integrating advanced simulation, preparing for human-machine teaming, and aligning acquisition with operational reality. The implications extend well beyond one service or nation. As allied air forces confront similar challenges - pilot shortages, multi-domain complexity, and generational technology shifts - the need for shared insight and collaboration has never been greater.

Would you like to know who you could meet at Military Flight Training (31st March – 2nd April 2026 | Hotel & Conference Center Sempachersee, Switzerland)?

We’ve compiled an early snapshot of confirmed attendees, including representatives from BAE Systems, the Air Force, Leonardo, the Polish Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, the Swiss Air Force, and many more, from over 30 countries. This year, we are expecting more than 400 senior officers and practitioners to join us.

The Military Flight Training Summit 2027 takes to Berlin on 23-25 March 2027, bringing together senior military aviation leaders, training commands and industry partners responsible for shaping the future of aircrew readiness.

Delivered in partnership with NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE), the summit provides a unique platform to engage decision-makers driving investment in training technologies, simulation, instructor development, crewed-uncrewed teaming and next-generation operational capability.

Download the Sponsorship Prospectus to explore the audience, opportunities and benefits of partnering with Europe's leading military flight training event.

To discuss sponsorship opportunities and tailored partnership packages, get in touch with the team here.