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The 2026 IDGA Military Flight Training Summit returns to San Antonio on October 27–28, bringing together 350+ senior military leaders, program managers, instructors, technology experts, and industry shaping the future of pilot training. 

Chaired by Major General (Ret.) Jim Sears, former Deputy Commander of Air Education and Training Command, this year's agenda explores how the U.S. military and allied nations are accelerating flight training modernization, from integrating next-generation trainer aircraft and AI-enabled learning to advancing simulation, competency-based training, maintenance readiness, and data-driven performance assessment. 

Interface with leaders from across the Military Flight Training community, including:

• Lieutenant General Clark Quinn, Commander, Air Education and Training Command (AETC), U.S. Air Force
• Rear Admiral Max McCoy, Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA), U.S. Navy
• Brigadier General Travolis Simmons, Commander, 19th Air Force, U.S. Air Force
• Air Vice Marshal Ian Sharrocks, Commanding Officer, No. 22 Group, U.K. Royal Air Force
• Rodney Stevens, Program Executive Officer, Training Directorate, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLMC), U.S. Air Force

Download the official agenda to explore the full speaker faculty, session topics, and networking opportunities.

As the U.S. Air Force transitions from the iconic T-38 Talon to the next-generation T-7A Red Hawk, pilot training is entering a new era. Designed to prepare aviators for fifth-generation and future combat aircraft, the T-7A combines advanced simulation, digital engineering, and immersive training capabilities that go far beyond traditional flight instruction.

Download this piece to:

• Compare the T-38 Talon and T-7A Red Hawk, including performance, design, capabilities, and training applications.
• Explore how the T-7A is modernizing pilot training through integrated live, virtual, and constructive training, embedded simulation, and advanced digital systems.
  

North America remains the world's largest military flight training market, driven by major U.S. and Canadian investments in advanced aircraft, synthetic training environments, and next-generation pilot development. This report examines the programs, technologies, and spending priorities shaping the market through 2030, highlighting how military organizations are modernizing training to support fifth- and sixth-generation airpower.

Inside the report:

• Market forecasts and investment trends across the U.S. and Canada, including major training aircraft and simulation programs through 2030.
• The rise of AI, VR/AR, and synthetic training, and how these technologies are transforming pilot and maintainer readiness.
• Key modernization programs supporting platforms such as the F-35, T-7A Red Hawk, future trainer aircraft, and next-generation combat aviation systems.
  

See Who's Attending Military Flight Training USA 2026 

Now is the perfect time to discover who's already registered for the 2026 Military Flight Training Summit. Our Early Attendee Snapshot provides an exclusive preview of the military organizations, training commands, government agencies, and industry leaders that have already secured their place at this year's event.

Bringing together senior leaders and practitioners from across the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, allied nations, and industry, the 2026 attendee snapshot highlights the military flight training community responsible for advancing aircrew development, training readiness, simulation, next-generation training systems, and emerging technologies. 

Download the 2026 Early Attendee Snapshot to explore the organizations and job titles already confirmed to attend and see who you could be networking with in San Antonio this October.

IDGA’s Military Flight Training Summit returned for its 10th year this past October at The Westin San Antonio North in San Antonio, Texas. The 2025 iteration welcomed 240+ senior leaders, program managers, instructors, and industry innovators in the flight training field. Top commands such as AETC, and the Army Aviation Center of Excellence were in attendance leading discussions on the future of flight training in the U.S. military and allied nations.

The following report highlights what made this year’s Military Flight Training Summit stand out, including a look at the diverse group of attending organizations, daily summaries from the conference, and much more.

If you are interested in participating in Military Flight Training 2026, which is set to return to Texas this October 27-28, click here.

How are air forces preparing pilots for the complexity of modern warfare?

As advanced threats, multi-domain operations, and next-generation aircraft redefine the battlespace, military flight training is undergoing a rapid transformation. This report explores how air forces are adapting training systems to produce resilient, mission-ready aircrew capable of operating in high-pressure, information-heavy environments.

Download to learn:

• Key trends shaping pilot training, including simulation, Live Virtual Constructive environments, and multi-domain integration
• Critical challenges and priorities, from pilot shortages to rising cognitive demands and high-threat preparedness