On 15 March 2010, Alenia Aermacchi (AAEM), a Finmeccanica company, and EADS Defence and Security (DS) submitted a joint response to the Request For Information (RFI) issued by the European Defence Agency (EDA) on 15 July 2009 about the Advanced European Jet Pilot Training (AEJPT) programme.

This initiative follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AAEM and DS in December 2009 regarding their collaboration to supply an integrated training system based on the M-346 Master advanced trainer aircraft which meets the specific requirements of the nine European countries participating in the AEJPT programme.

Bringing synergically their individual competencies in this specific field, Alenia Aermacchi and DS can now offer a comprehensive training solution for future combat aircraft pilots which meets the expectations of EDA and the AEJPT nations in terms of capabilities, flexibility, training effectiveness, interoperability, geographic allocation and industrial work share.

In line with these targets, the two companies intend to involve all other European firms from AEJPT member countries in the training service and base operating activities. The joint reply to the RFI foresees already active roles for some firms. The integrated training system offered by AAEM and DS is open to include further companies to achieve a truly European solution.

Source: EADS