Galatina Air Base

Galatina Air Base is located on the Salento peninsula in the Puglia region of southern Italy, near Lecce. The installation was established in September 1946 as the Scuola di Volo delle Puglie. Since its establishment, the base has functioned as the primary training site for Italian military pilots.

The 61° Stormo (61st Wing) of the Italian Air Force operates the facility. The wing provides basic flying training for all Italian military pilots and advanced instruction for future fighter pilots. Operations are organized into three squadrons: the 212° Gruppo, 213° Gruppo, and 214° Gruppo. These units execute a training program structured into Phase 2 (Primary Pilot Training), Phase 3 (Specialized Pilot Training), and Phase 4 (Lead-In to Fighter Training).

The base hosts the International Flight Training School (IFTS), a joint initiative between the Italian Air Force and Leonardo. This school trains pilots from allied nations, including Argentina, Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the United States.

Infrastructure at the base supports several aircraft types. The 61° Stormo operates fleets of Leonardo T-345A and T-346A jet trainers, which replaced the Aermacchi MB-339. The MB-339A remains in use for primary pilot training. The facility includes specialized training environments for the IFTS and the three resident flight groups to conduct advanced jet training. Some components of the training program, including the 212° Gruppo and the T-346 fleet, are in the process of relocating to Decimomannu Air Base.