By Staff Correspondent
Airbus and Leonardo have announced signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as they embark on a joint endeavour to explore the integrated training systems market and confront the challenges posed by air dominance. The aviation giants will collaborate to identify and pursue business prospects in advanced training systems, drawing on the M-346 aircraft’s proven track record with over 100,000 flight hours worldwide.
Moreover, Airbus and Leonardo will delve into possibilities for increased industrial cooperation, focusing on the realm of military pilot training in the future. These efforts will encompass specific platforms and programs within the broader European and international collaboration framework.
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air System Airbus, emphasised the need for a robust, innovative, and competitive defence industry to bolster the European defence landscape and achieve the desired “strategic autonomy.” Dumont lauded Leonardo’s global standing in the military pilot training sector and expressed confidence in the synergy between the two companies to meet customer requirements effectively.
Marco Zoff, Leonardo’s Aircraft Division Managing Director, highlighted the agreement’s significance in combining Leonardo and Airbus’s distinct expertise and capabilities. Zoff emphasised the aim to provide European and international clients with cutting-edge solutions in Integrated Training Systems, leveraging a shared technology development roadmap based on the M-346 ITS. He underscored the importance of adapting to emerging needs and forging innovative solutions to ensure the operational readiness and advanced training of next-generation fast-jet pilots in complex scenarios.
Renewal of air power and emerging trends necessitate harnessing the full potential of the most advanced solutions available today, alongside the accelerated development of new capabilities and technologies for enhancing fighter pilot effectiveness. A crucial aspect of this endeavour lies in training aircrew and ground crew, enabling fighter pilots to maintain their proficiency and readiness.
Over the next two decades, the European Advanced Trainer market is projected to witness the delivery of more than 400 new aircraft, accompanied by an estimated additional expenditure of €12 billion on advanced pilot training services. This underscores the immense potential and market opportunity awaiting Airbus and Leonardo as they strive to offer cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving needs of the aerospace industry.
