A major milestone achieved: U.S. and Italian air forces successfully test the future of pilot training

From left, U.S. Air Force Col. James Blech, 14th Flying Training Wing commander, U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Matthew Leard, Air Education and Training Command Director of Plans, Programs, Requirements and International Affairs, Italian air force Lt. Gen. Francesco Vestito, Commander, Italian Air Education and Training Command; and Italian air force Col. Gianfranco Liccardo, Commander, 61st Flying Training Wing, attend the graduation of U.S. student pilots at the International Flight Training School (IFTS) at Decimomannu Air Base, Italy, Jan. 16, 2026. The ceremony marked the latest major milestone in the U.S. Air Force’s Future of Undergraduate Pilot Training (FUPT) initiative, which aims to modernize the pilot training enterprise.

PHOTO BY: Courtesy photo

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