International Flight Training Center, Kalamata

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This article is about the flight training center in Kalamata, Greece. For the flight training school based in Italy, see International Flight Training School.

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International Flight Training Center
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  • Διεθνές Εκπαιδευτικό Κέντρο Πτήσεων
  • Διεθνές Κέντρο Εκπαίδευσης Πιλότων
Part of Kalamata Air Base
Kalamata, Greece
Site information
TypeMilitary flight training center
CodeIFTC
OwnerHellenic Air Force
OperatorHellenic Air Force (in partnership with Elbit Systems)
Controlled byGreece
Location
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Floor area<templatestyles src="Plainlist/styles.css"></templatestyles>
  • Ground-Based Training Center (2,000 m²)
  • Logistics Center (1,300 m²)
Site history
Built2021 (2021)
In useMay 2023–present
Garrison information
Garrison120th Air Training Wing

The International Flight Training Center (IFTC - Greek: Διεθνές Εκπαιδευτικό Κέντρο Πτήσεων) is a military flight training facility located at the 120 Air Training Wing, in Kalamata Air Base, Greece.[1][2] It was established to provide training for pilots of the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) and trainees from allied nations. The center is operated as a collaboration between HAF and Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense contractor.[3][4]

History

Establishing a flight training center has been an aim of Greece since the early 2000s, but it never came to fruition before 2021.[5] The International Flight Training Center was established in 2021 as part of a €1.375 billion agreement between the Greek and Israeli MOD.[6] The deal, which was approved by Greece in January 2021 after considering offers from the Canadian firm CAE and the Israeli Elbit, includes a 22-year public-private partnership with Elbit Systems to modernize Greece’s pilot training capabilities.[4][7][8]

The provision of 10 M-346 Block 5+ advanced training aircraft (replacing the older T-2Es[9][10]), upgrades to 25[11][12] T-6 Texan II of the HAF's fleet, and the installation of simulators and other training systems are also included in the contract.[13]

Located within the Kalamata Air Base, a military installation operated by the Hellenic Air Force, the IFTC leverages the base's infrastructure, including runways and support facilities. While the base remains under Hellenic Air Force jurisdiction, Elbit Systems manages the center's modernization, operations, and training services.[7]

The center became operational in 2023, and the first M-346 Block 5+ aircraft were delivered in May of that year.[14][15][16]

Facilities and training

The facilities of the IFTC include a 2,000 m2 Ground-Based Training Center and a 1,300 m2 Logistics Center,[6][17][18] established at the Air Base to provide ongoing technical support. The center is equipped with systems for fleet control and communication and 5th generation flight simulators.[19] Training programs cover basic (using the T-6 Texan II) and advanced (using the M-346) flight training for both Greek and international pilots.[13][14][20] According to reporting by the Associated Press in late 2022, the T-6 will provide 7,000 and the M-346 will provide 3,500 flight training hours annually.[21]

Older T-2E aircraft of the 120th ATW, which are set to be replaced by M-346s.
T-6 Texan II of HAF
An M-346

The International Flight Training Center also serves as a hub for allied forces, with pilots from the Air Forces of Germany and Croatia to join training programs. The former has initiated a two-year training program at the IFTC, planning to enroll 16 pilots annually starting in 2025, while the latter is in discussions to begin pilot training at the center, also by 2025. The facility emphasizes interoperability with NATO and allied air forces.[22]

Strategic role

The IFTC plays a significant role in Greece's military modernization initiatives and regional defense strategy. It provides advanced pilot training for modern aircraft, including the Rafale, F-16 Viper, and future F-35 military aircraft.[23]

Although the IFTC is not designated as a separate NFTE training campus, the center operates within the framework of the 120th Air Training Wing, which in 2023 became part of the NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE) initiative.[24] This program expanded to include training facilities in Greece, Hungary, and North Macedonia, aiming to enhance the capabilities of Allied military pilots and reached full operational capability in 2024.[25][26][27]

Reception

The decision to select Elbit Systems over the Canadian company CAE for the establishment of the International Flight Training Center in Kalamata has sparked a range of reactions. Critics, including media outlets such as Press Project and EfSyn, alleged that no international tender was conducted despite announcements that one would take place. Additionally, there were claims that the cost of the deal increased from €1.3 billion[8] to €1.8 billion, though these allegations have not been independently verified by other sources.[28][29][30]

Diplomatic reactions to the decision included concerns from the ambassadors of Canada and the United States to Greece, who reportedly supported CAE’s proposal over that of Elbit Systems.[31] Canadian officials also visited Kalamata to promote CAE’s bid, emphasizing their extensive experience in pilot training systems and presenting their proposal as a competitive alternative.[32][33]

Supporters of the Elbit Systems deal highlighted its strategic advantages for Greece’s defense modernization. According to To Vima, the agreement reflected a deepening of defense ties with Israel and provided Greece with access to advanced technologies and training capabilities. The Greek Ministry of National Defense also defended the decision, citing Elbit Systems’ expertise and its ability to meet the project’s requirements efficiently.[34][35]

Concerns about delays in establishing the center were also raised. In 2020, reports suggested that procedural and logistical challenges could jeopardize the project, potentially causing Greece to miss out on this significant opportunity.[36]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Deal signed with Israel for Kalamata flight training center.  (2021-04-17)  Kathimerini.  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from [1]
  2. ↑ .  (2023-05-17)  CNN.  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from [2]
  3. ↑ Greek-Israeli Flight Training Center Opens.  (2023-05-16)  Aviation Week.  Retrieved 2025-01-19 from link
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Greece okays $1.68 billion defense deal with Israel.  (2021-01-05)  Times of Israel.  Retrieved 2025-01-19 from link
  5. ↑ .  (2019-03-18)  Retrieved from Militaire.gr
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Επίσκεψη Εκπροσώπων των Υπ. Άμυνας Ελλάδας και Ισραήλ στο Διεθνές Κέντρο Εκπαίδευσης Πιλότων στην 120 ΠΕΑ Καλαμάτας.  (2022-10-21)  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from iefimerida.gr
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Israeli firm inks NIS 5.4 billion flight training deal with Greece.  (2021-04-19)  Times of Israel.  Retrieved 2025-01-19 from link
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Greece And Israel Will Establish A Joint Flight School With T-6 Texan II And M-346 Master Trainer Aircraft.  Stefano D'Urso.  (2021-01-07)  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from The Aviationist
  9. ↑ Ηρθαν Ελλάδα τα νέα αεροπλάνα M-346.  (2023-05-12)  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from ProtoThema
  10. ↑ First M-346 Trainer Jet For Greece Flies With HAF Markings.  Stefano D'Urso.  (2023-04-03)  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from The Aviationist
  11. ↑ Ο Ραν Κριλ, εκτελεστικός αντιπρόεδρος της Elbit Systems μιλά στο CNN Greece.  Κώστας Πλιάκος.  (2021-07-22)  CNN.  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from [3]
  12. ↑ Lua error: bad argument #1 to "get" (not a valid title).
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Elbit Systems to establish flight training centre for Greek Air Force.  Airforce Technology.  Retrieved from link
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Elbit Systems' first M-346 aircraft land in Greece.  (2023-05-15)  Airforce Technology.  Retrieved 2025-01-19 from link
  15. ↑ First M-346 Trainers Delivered To Greece.  (2023-05-12)  The Aviationist.  Retrieved 2025-01-19 from link
  16. ↑ M-346 Block 5+.  Hellenic Air Force.  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from link
  17. ↑ Lua error: bad argument #1 to "get" (not a valid title).
  18. ↑ Missing title.  (2022-10-21)  CNN.  Retrieved from link
  19. ↑ With Increased Sales to Europe, Elbit Systems to Present Range of Solutions at DEFEA 2023.  Elbit Systems.  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from link
  20. ↑ Elbit Systems marks milestone with first two M-346 aircraft landing at Hellenic International Flight Training Center in Kalamata.  (2023-05-15)  Elbit Systems.  Retrieved 2025-01-19 from link
  21. ↑ With eye on Turkey, Greece opens Israeli-built flight school.  Derek Gatopoulos.  (2022-10-21)  Associated Press.  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from [4]
  22. ↑ Kalamata emerges as a global hub for advanced military pilot training.  (2023-10-17)  Kathimerini.  Retrieved 2025-01-19 from link
  23. ↑ 120th Air Training Wing.  Hellenic Air Force.  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from link
  24. ↑ 12 Allies agree to expand NFTE.  (2024-03-10)  European Security & Defence.  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from link
  25. ↑ Training opportunities for Allied military pilots.  (2023-01-30)  NATO.  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from link
  26. ↑ NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE) reaches full operational capability.  (2024-03-18)  Defence Industry Europe.  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from link
  27. ↑ NATO Flight Training Europe High Visibility Project.  (2022-06-15)  NATO.  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from link
  28. ↑ Η κυβέρνηση μετατρέπει την Ελλάδα σε οικόπεδο ΝΑΤΟικών, Αμερικάνικων και Ισραηλινών Τυχοδιωκτισμών.  Thanasis Petrakos.  (2021-04-24)  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from The Press Project - Ειδήσεις, Αναλύσεις, Ραδιόφωνο, Τηλεόραση
  29. ↑ Η κυβέρνηση μετατρέπει την Ελλάδα σε οικόπεδο ΝΑΤΟικών, Αμερικανικών και Ισραηλινών Τυχοδιωκτισμών.  Thanasis Petrakos.  (2021-04-24)  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from The Press Project
  30. ↑ Στους Ισραηλινούς το Διεθνές Κέντρο Εκπαίδευσης στην Καλαμάτα.  (2020-12-15)  Εφημερίδα των Συντακτών.  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from link
  31. ↑ Παρέμβαση Πάιατ με τον Καναδό ομόλογο… για το Διεθνές Κέντρο Αεροπορικής Εκπαίδευσης της ΠΑ στην Καλαμάτα!.  (2020-12-19)  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from Defence-point.gr
  32. ↑ Παρέμβαση Πάιατ με τον Καναδό ομόλογο… για το Διεθνές Κέντρο Αεροπορικής Εκπαίδευσης της ΠΑ στην Καλαμάτα!.  (2020-12-19)  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from Defence-point.gr
  33. ↑ Καλαμάτα: Επίσκεψη Καναδών για το Κέντρο Εκπαίδευσης της Αεροπορίας.  (2021-01-15)  ERT News.  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from link
  34. ↑ Με ισραηλινό «άρωμα» το Διεθνές Κέντρο Εκπαίδευσης Πτήσεων στην Καλαμάτα.  (2020-12-22)  To Vima.  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from link
  35. ↑ ΥΠΕΘΑ: Να πώς καταλήξαμε για το Διεθνές Εκπαιδευτικό Κέντρο Πτήσεων στην Καλαμάτα.  (2021-04-19)  OnAlert.  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from link
  36. ↑ Διεθνές Κέντρο Καλαμάτας: Κινδυνεύει να χάσει το τρένο.  (2020-07-15)  Army Voice.  Retrieved 2025-01-20 from link
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