ITPS Canada orders Leonardo M-346T Block 20 advanced jet trainers

Seen in Italian Air Force service, the M-346 is to be utilised by ITPS Canada for the training of student pilots at its ITTC. (Leonardo)

ITPS Canada has ordered Leonardo M-346T Block 20 advanced jet trainer (AJT) aircraft to support the instruction of student pilots at its International Tactical Training Centre (ITTC) in North Bay, Ontario.

Announced by the airframer on 26 May 2026, the deal covers six aircraft (with options for a further six) to begin training NATO and allied pilots at the ITTC from 2029.

The ITTC currently supports the training of pilots from 10 air forces, and ITPS Canada is acquiring the M-346 under plans to expand training capacity and interoperability at the centre.

The M-346T Block 20 is the trainer version of the M-346F (Fighter) Block 20, and features an integrated advanced flight training system, including a ground-based training system (GBTS), combined simulated elements and scenarios with real flights according to a live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) logic. The aircraft is also provisioned for an optional in-flight refuelling probe.

ITPS Canada is a Canadian company providing advanced military tactical training and flight test training, as well as engineering, maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. The company comprises three divisions, including the ITPS which it bills as the biggest independent provider of experimental flight test training in the world.

Current training types include the Hawker Hunter T.7, Aero Vodochody L-39 and L-29, Bombardier Challenger, Embraer Phenom, as well as MBB Bo 105M and Bell 206B3 helicopters, among others.

For more, please see Paris Air Show 2023: Airbus, Leonardo sign training MOU based on M-346 jet