ITPS Canada has signed a contract for six Leonardo M-346 T Block 20 advanced jet trainers, with options for a further six, to support expansion of tactical fighter pilot training at its International Tactical Training Centre in North Bay, Ontario.
The aircraft are expected to enter service at the International Tactical Training Centre (ITTC) beginning in 2029, supporting lead-in fighter training for NATO pilots and allied air forces. The acquisition represents what ITPS Canada described as the first capability enhancement of the ITTC fleet, which currently provides advanced tactical training to more than 10 air forces.
Clementi said, “The new trainers will provide a major contribution to the first capability enhancement project of the ITTC fleet, currently active in providing training to several international customers and to meet advanced tactical training service demand from in excess of ten different air forces globally.”
In October 2025, ITPS CEO Dave Lohse conducted an airborne evaluation of the M-346 in airspace north of Ottawa, Canada.
Lohse said, “The M-346 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.”
The M-346 has accumulated more than 160,000 flight hours across a fleet of more than 160 aircraft sold to date, enabling pilot training for high-performance types including the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35. Twenty countries operate or have selected the M-346, including in the multirole light fighter version.
ITPS Canada operates three divisions: the International Test Pilots School, the International Tactical Training Centre and ITPS Engineering. The school, which is the largest independent provider of experimental flight test training in the world, has trained students from more than 29 air forces for more than 25 years.
The contract reflects wider demand from allied air forces for advanced lead-in fighter training solutions as combat technology continues to evolve.
