Exclusive Content

The Ukrainian War has resulted in several supply chain problems for nations with Russian or Soviet-sourced equipment. This has resulted in several nations looking towards replacing them with NATO aircraft, the F-16 being a market favorite. Changing from one aircraft to the other is not a simple endeavor, as these two aircraft have been developed with different wars in mind.

IDGA has had the privilege to interview one of the few pilots who have flown both types. In this piece, Todd ‘Leif’ Ericson discusses the differences between the two aircraft from a training and flying perspective. An essential piece of reading for anyone interested in exploring markets with old Russian models and for aviators with interests in better understanding competitor aircraft.

With the high cost of flying, more forces are looking at simulations to bridge the gap in flying hours.

In this exclusive interview with Lieutenant Colonel Steve Briones, USAF Commander, Detachment 24, Pilot Training Transformation, he discusses the future of combat training and the challenges and opportunities faced.

From off-the-shelf technologies to data management, there are new opportunities to enhance learning, but this comes at some risk both in terms of cyber security and culture. Pilot Training Transformation focuses on how Airmen acquire how to use technologies to accelerate learning, an essential program in combating the pilot shortage.

Increasingly sophisticated flight simulation technology is shaping the military training landscape - but can it ensure the lethality of our next generation of aviators? In this exclusive interview with retired Lieutenant General of the United States Air Force Anthony "Tony" Rock, we assess the state, capabilities, threats, and opportunities of our nation's flight training environment. From managing autonomous systems to close-quarter dogfighting, the bar is higher than ever. But in the face of rising global threats - is our training good enough?

To give you a preview of what you can expect by attending MFT USA, check out this exclusive presentation from the USAF, which was delivered at the 2022 conference, on Future Fighter Training (REFORGE).

The presentation was delivered by David Timm, ACC A5XAnalyst, SME, Reforge, Air Superiority, AIM, Air Combat Command, and covers:
> Rebuilding Fighter Training (REFORGE)
> Reforge Lines of Effort (LOEs)

An exclusive presentation from Lieutenant Colonel Eric Frahm, 19th AF Liaison to DIU Mountain View, CA, Defense Innovation Unit, which was delivered at the 2022 conference, on Next-Generation Technologies for Flight Training, and covers:

• Foundational Principles of Next-Generation Training
• 3 Meta-Trends Revolutionizing Training and Operations
• The Road to Today
• Adaptive Learning Vision
• Hallmarks of Effective XR Investment

View the attendee snapshot to find out which companies of key U.S. and allied military leaders, and industry decision-makers, who attended our last conference, many of which have confirmed their attendance again for 2023.

An analysis of the top three contenders for the T-X, the military's latest flight trainer fleet. The 4th Annual Military Flight Training Summit provides a breakdown of these jets just a few weeks before the final announcement of the T-X contract, to be awarded by the AETC.

Retention in the military is always a challenge, but now more than ever. The current numbers leave us at about a 2,000 person shortage, causing many to wonder how the military will remedy this. From new pilot training programs to expanded VRAAD to innovative strategies, there are a multitude of opportunities the Force is exploring to close the gap.

Check out this exclusive presentation from 2022's 2-Star Conference Partner, Leonardo, which was delivered at the MFT USA 2022 conference, on the M-346 AJT – Advanced Jet Trainer; a Leonardo Integrated Solution for US Training Needs.