ITPS Canada orders Leonardo M-346 T Block 20 advanced jet trainers to meet evolving tactical training requirements
- The aircraft will support expansion of NATO and Allied tactical fighter pilot training at the International Tactical Training Centre in North Bay, Ontario.
- The contract includes six M-346 T Block 20 aircraft — with options for an additional six — expected to enter service starting in 2029.
Ottawa, 26 May 2026 — As an increasing number of air forces must deliver modern training to the next generation of fighter pilots to meet evolving operational requirements, and as combat air technology becomes more sophisticated, ITPS Canada (International Test Pilots School) is responding by introducing Leonardo’s advanced capabilities and integrated training solutions into its fleet.
ITPS Executive Chairman Giorgio Clementi signed a contract for six M-346 T Block 20 lead-in jet trainers — with options for an additional six aircraft — at a ceremony in Venegono, Italy, which also included a final evaluation flight of the aircraft. Clementi stated: “The M‑346 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 (ITTC) base in North Bay, Ontario, starting in 2029, contributing to the first capability enhancement project of the ITTC fleet, which is active with several international customers and addressing demand for advanced tactical training services from more than ten air forces worldwide.
With more than 25 years of experience delivering advanced and specialist flight test and military tactical training in Canada to over 29 air arms, ITPS has been providing innovative solutions to meet the evolving operational requirements of modern air forces.
In October 2025, ITPS CEO Dave Lohse conducted an airborne evaluation of the Leonardo M‑346 advanced jet trainer in the airspace north of Ottawa International Airport.
Following the evaluation flight, Lohse said: “The M‑346 is an exceptionally capable advanced jet trainer that aligns closely with the operational requirements of modern fighter pilot training. The aircraft’s performance, digital flight‑control system, and advanced training architecture make it an ideal platform to support the next phase of growth for the International Tactical Training Centre.”
“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.”
Stefano Bortoli, Leonardo Aeronautics Division’s Managing Director, said: “The M‑346 has made remarkable progress in recent years, from both a system‑evolution and continued market‑success perspective, becoming the backbone of a one‑of‑a‑kind integrated training capability hosting a rapidly growing number of Air Forces globally. ITPS’s decision to select and procure the M‑346 to deliver world‑class lead‑in fighter training for the next generation of pilots, enabling them to face rapidly changing and increasingly challenging operational scenarios, further proves the system’s undisputable high performance. We are committed to working with ITPS to maximize the benefits of this latest technology and capability to maintain and even enhance the quality of service their customers deserve.”
The M‑346 is the core element of a cutting‑edge and continuously evolving advanced flight‑training system that has already proven its effectiveness: over 160,000 flight hours and more than 160 aircraft sold to date, enabling several air forces in Europe and worldwide to train pilots for high‑performance fighters such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, F‑35, and next‑generation combat air systems.
Twenty countries — including Canada — already train their pilots on the M‑346 or have selected the aircraft, including its multirole light‑fighter version. Thanks to its high performance, capabilities and manoeuvrability, the M‑346 has also been selected by the Italian Air Force as the future aircraft for the “Frecce Tricolori”, Italy’s national aerobatic team.
About Leonardo: Leonardo is an international industrial group that develops multi‑domain technological capabilities for global security. A key player in major strategic programmes across Aerospace, Defence and Security, it employs over 62,000 people worldwide and operates in Electronics, Helicopters, Aircraft, Cyber & Security and Space. The company has a significant industrial presence in Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland and the United States, and is active in 150 countries through subsidiaries, joint ventures and investments. Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), in 2025 Leonardo recorded new orders of €23.8 billion, an order backlog of €46.6 billion and consolidated revenues of €19.5 billion. Included in the MIB ESG Index, the company has been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) since 2010.
About ITPS Canada: ITPS Canada is a Canadian corporation providing advanced military tactical training and flight‑test training, as well as Engineering, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services. It consists of three divisions, including the International Test Pilots School — the largest independent provider of Experimental Flight‑Test training — the International Tactical Training Centre, providing advanced and lead‑in fighter training, and ITPS Engineering, providing aircraft sustainment, maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities to the ITPS fleet and customers worldwide. The company employs over 200 staff at facilities in London, Ontario, and North Bay.
Source: Leonardo
