Washington, DC, January 30 - The US Air Force is actively seeking qualified contractors to support the training of foreign pilots as part of its Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Through a recent Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Air Education and Training Command, the service aims to gauge industry capabilities for delivering specialized aviation instruction to allied and partner nations receiving American military aid. This initiative focuses on enhancing interoperability and building capacity among international air forces by providing high-quality, mission-specific training within the continental United States. The effort underscores the USAF's commitment to strengthening global partnerships through structured, professional pilot development programs.
Under the proposed framework, contractors would deliver comprehensive training using demilitarized or commercially derived aircraft, supplemented by advanced classroom instruction, electronic courseware, interactive simulations, and virtual reality systems. The curriculum targets a range of mission profiles, including combat support and light attack, reconnaissance and observation, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), search and rescue, maritime patrol, electronic warfare, medical evacuation, transport and airlift, and VIP transport. Training occurs at designated U.S. bases, ensuring alignment with rigorous safety and operational standards while accommodating diverse aircraft types and mission requirements tailored to partner nations' needs.
The Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron, a key component of Air Education and Training Command, currently oversees the instruction of more than 9,000 international students annually from 142 nations under the FMS umbrella. By engaging private sector expertise, the USAF seeks to supplement existing resources, improve scalability, and incorporate innovative training methodologies to meet growing demand. This contractor-driven approach allows for flexible, performance-based solutions that can adapt to evolving geopolitical priorities and technological advancements in aviation training.
This solicitation represents an opportunity for defense contractors and aviation training providers to contribute to U.S. national security objectives by fostering capable allied air forces. Interested parties are encouraged to review the RFI details and demonstrate their technical proficiency, infrastructure, and experience in delivering secure, effective pilot training programs. As global defense cooperation expands, such partnerships play a vital role in promoting stability and shared operational readiness worldwide.