Canada – ITPS Canada, a Canadian corporation providing advanced military tactical training and flight test training, has signed a contract with Leonardo for six M-346 T Block 20 lead-in jet trainers — with options for an additional six units — to support expansion of NATO and Allied tactical fighter pilot training at the International Tactical Training Centre (ITTC) in North Bay, Ontario, with the aircraft expected to enter service starting in 2029.

The contract was signed by ITPS Executive Chairman Giorgio Clementi at a ceremony at Venegono, Italy, following a final evaluation flight of the aircraft. ITPS CEO Dave Lohse previously conducted an airborne evaluation of the M-346 north of Ottawa International Airport in October 2025.
The M-346 acquisition represents the first capability enhancement project for the ITTC fleet, which currently provides training to several international customers and meets advanced tactical training service demand from in excess of ten different air forces globally.
ITPS Canada has over 25 years of experience delivering advanced and specialist flight test and military tactical training in Canada to over 29 air arms, operating three divisions: the International Test Pilots School (the world's biggest independent provider of Experimental Flight Test training), the International Tactical Training Centre, and ITPS Engineering, employing over 200 staff at facilities in London, Ontario, and North Bay.
The M-346 has logged over 160,000 hours in flight with more than 160 aircraft sold to date, with 20 countries — including Canada — already training pilots on the platform or having selected it. The aircraft has been selected by the Italian Air Force as the future aircraft for the Frecce Tricolori national aerobatic team.

Statements

"The M346 continues Italy's illustrious track record of producing world leading jet trainer aircraft. The new trainers are expected to enter service at the company's International Tactical Training Centre base in North Bay starting in 2029, providing a major contribution to the first capability enhancement project of the ITTC fleet," said Giorgio Clementi, Executive Chairman of ITPS.
"The M-346 is an exceptionally capable advanced jet trainer that aligns closely with the operational requirements of modern fighter pilot training. As allied air forces look to expand training capacity and interoperability, the M-346 will help enable ITTC to welcome pilots from Canada and partner nations to train together in a modern and operationally focused environment," said Dave Lohse, CEO of ITPS.
"The decision of ITPS to select and procure the M-346 to deliver world class lead-in fighter training for the next generation of pilots provides further evidence of the undisputable high performance of the system," said Stefano Bortoli, Managing Director of Leonardo's Aeronautics Division.

Source: Leonardo

Canadian Private Military Training Provider Places 2026 Order for 6 Advanced Jet Trainers for NATO Pilot Training

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