Following a landmark 2025 edition, the Military Flight Training Conference returns to Switzerland in 2026. In partnership with the Swiss Air Force and NATO Flight Training Europe, this event addresses urgent challenges in preparing aircrew for great power competition and contested multi-domain operations.

Explore what's ahead:

• Expanding Training Pipelines: Addressing critical pilot shortages across fixed-wing, rotary, and multi-engine platforms while modernising legacy systems
• Digital Transformation & Immersive Simulation: AI-driven adaptive learning, LVC environments, and data analytics optimising pilot development
• Human Performance Science: Neuroergonomics, cognitive load management, and biometric monitoring including EEG, HRV, and eye-tracking systems
• Human-Machine Teaming: Training for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), RPAS integration, and multi-platform command
• Multi-Domain Operations: Preparing crews for space-cyber-air integration, electromagnetic warfare, and operations in contested environments
• Alliance Interoperability: Harmonising training standards, data sovereignty, and collaborative training models across NATO and partner nations
• Industry-Military Collaboration: How primes and SMEs can integrate emerging technologies without disrupting operational pipelines

Join 500+ military commanders, training leaders, industry innovators, and researchers from 40+ nations. Confirmed participants include RAF, USAF, Italian Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Canadian Armed Forces, Spanish Air and Space Force, plus Pilatus, CAE, Leonardo, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and RUSI.

Three days of keynotes, panels, and roundtables tackling critical challenges - from Gen Z learning to 5th/6th generation aircraft transition.

Download the official presentation delivered by Brigadier General Edi Turco at the 2024 Military Flight Training Conference.

Discover how the Italian Air Force is leading the way with cutting-edge training technologies:

• Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) Systems
• Embedded Tactical Training System (ETTS)
• Simulator-Based Training (CBT/SBT)
• Full Mission Simulators and the T-346
• Integrated Training System (ITS) 

Why Download?

This exclusive presentation gives you a sneak peek into the high-caliber content you can expect at the 2025 Military Flight Training Conference, where 300+ leaders from over 40 nations will address the training challenges for aircrews across fixed wing, rotary wing, and 5th/6th generation fighter aircraft.

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.
  

View the attendee snapshot to find out which companies of senior military practitioners and industry leaders within the military aviation community have confirmed their attendance.

The Military Flight Training 2025 Post-Show Report offers an overview of the 2025 event, which took place in Sardinia, Italy. It captures key insights from senior military leaders, industry experts, and training specialists, covering emerging technologies, pilot development, and multinational cooperation. The report is a valuable resource for military decision-makers, defence industry partners, and training professionals looking to benchmark practices, identify future requirements, and inform strategic planning. The MFT Post Show Report also serves as a reference point for ongoing collaboration and preparation for MFT 2026.

Key Topics Covered:
-Preparing pilots for 5th and 6th generation air combat
-Human-machine teaming and AI integration in training
-Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) technologies and simulation
-Multinational collaboration to address pilot demand and capacity gaps
-Evolving the human performance and mental resilience of aircrews

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.

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.

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.

This presentation covers the Training System Requirements of the Bundeswehr as they adopt “Advanced Embedded Tactical Training”

Air Commodore Strong covers the Royal Australian Air Force Strategy in delivering a resilient training programme

The presentation delivers the current efforts of the Finnish Air Force in preparing for a 5th gen age.

Major Rosenqvist covers where the SwAF is now and where it wants to be

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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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