M-346 Block 20 Jet Trainer Aircraft | Photo: Leonardo
ITPS Canada has signed a contract with Leonardo for six M-346 T Block 20 advanced jet trainers, with options for an additional six aircraft, as the company expands tactical fighter pilot training capacity at its International Tactical Training Centre (ITTC) in North Bay, Ontario.
The aircraft are expected to begin entering service from 2029 and will support training programs for NATO and allied nations. According to the company, the aircraft will form part of a capability expansion project intended to address growing demand from international customers and military organizations.
ITPS said the expanded fleet will support advanced tactical training requirements from more than ten air forces worldwide. The company has more than 25 years of experience providing military tactical training and has worked with over 29 air arms.
In October 2025, ITPS Chief Executive Officer Dave Lohse carried out an airborne evaluation of the M-346 in airspace north of Ottawa International Airport.
Dave Lohse, Chief Executive Officer of ITPS Canada, said, “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, Managing Director of Leonardo Aeronautics Division, 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 one-of-a-kind integrated training capabilities hosting a rapidly growing number of Air Forces on a global scale.”
Leonardo says more than 160 M-346 aircraft have been sold worldwide, with over 160,000 flight hours recorded. The aircraft is used to train pilots for aircraft including the Eurofighter Typhoon and Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.
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