ITPS Canada Orders Leonardo M-346 T Block 20 Trainers for 2029

This article is based on an official press release from Leonardo.

In a significant move for the North American defense training sector, ITPS Canada (International Test Pilots School) has officially ordered six Leonardo M-346 T Block 20 advanced jet trainers, with an option to acquire six additional military aircraft. According to a press release from Italian aerospace manufacturers Leonardo, the new fleet will be stationed at the International Tactical Training Centre (ITTC) in North Bay, Ontario, and is scheduled to enter service in 2029.

This acquisition marks a major milestone, establishing the first privately operated Leonardo M-346 fighter trainer fleet in North America. As NATO and allied air forces face mounting challenges in generating enough pilots for fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, this procurement aims to bridge the gap by modernizing ITPS Canada’s training capabilities to meet evolving operational requirements.

The contract was recently signed by ITPS Executive Chairman Giorgio Clementi at Leonardo’s Venegono plant in Italy. The signing ceremony included a final evaluation flight of the aircraft. While the strategic importance of the deal is clear, the exact monetary value of the contract has not been publicly disclosed by either party.

The M-346 T Block 20: A Technological Leap in Pilot Training

Next-Generation Cockpit and AI Integration

The aircraft selected by ITPS Canada represents the latest iteration of Leonardo’s proven trainer platform. Officially launched at the Farnborough International Air Show in July 2024, the “Block 20” standard introduces comprehensive capability enhancements designed to align pilot skills with the demands of modern multi-domain battlefields. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the Block 20 features a completely renewed cockpit, replacing the legacy six Multi-Functional Displays (MFD) with two Large Area Displays (LAD), one for each seat, complemented by a low-profile Head-Up Display (HUD).

Beyond hardware upgrades, the new trainers incorporate advanced digital and artificial intelligence features. Leonardo notes that the Ground-Based Training System (GBTS) utilizes virtual reality and AI applications to personalize training paths based on biometric and flight data. Furthermore, the system introduces autonomous AI agents into synthetic scenarios, significantly increasing the complexity and realism of tactical training for student pilots.

Performance and Evaluation

The M-346 is widely recognized for its high thrust-to-weight ratio, wide flight envelope, and extreme maneuverability. These characteristics allow the aircraft to accurately emulate the flight conditions and sensor management of new-generation combat aircraft. The decision to acquire the M-346 followed a rigorous evaluation process. In October 2025, ITPS CEO Dave Lohse conducted an airborne evaluation of the advanced jet trainer in the airspace north of Ottawa International Airport, ultimately validating the platform’s suitability for the ITTC’s needs.

Expanding Canada’s Role as a Tactical Training Hub

Meeting Global Demand

With over 25 years of experience, ITPS provides advanced military tactical training and flight test training to more than 29 air arms globally. The company’s ITTC division currently addresses the demand for advanced tactical training services from over ten different air forces worldwide. The deployment of these advanced trainers in North Bay, Ontario, is expected to bolster Canada’s position as a premier multinational aviation training hub.

“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 base in North Bay (Ontario) starting in 2029, providing 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.”

, Giorgio Clementi, Executive Chairman of ITPS, in a statement provided by Leonardo.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we observe that this agreement highlights a rapidly accelerating trend within the global defense industry: the privatization of advanced military training. State militaries are increasingly relying on private defense contractors like ITPS to provide advanced tactical training and “Red Air” (adversary) services.

This outsourcing model is highly cost-effective. By utilizing high-performance, AI-equipped trainers like the M-346 T Block 20 for complex synthetic engagements, allied air forces can save the precious airframe life of expensive fifth-generation fighters, such as the F-35, reserving them for actual combat operations rather than routine training sorties. Furthermore, the expansion of the ITTC fleet in North Bay signals a significant economic and strategic boost for the region, cementing its status as a critical node for international defense preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Leonardo M-346 T Block 20?

The M-346 T Block 20 is the latest standard of Leonardo’s advanced lead-in jet trainer. Launched in July 2024, it features a modernized cockpit with Large Area Displays, a low-profile HUD, and extensive integration of artificial intelligence and virtual reality in its ground-based training systems.

When will the new aircraft enter service in Canada?

The six confirmed M-346 trainers are expected to enter service at the International Tactical Training Centre (ITTC) in North Bay, Ontario, starting in 2029.

Why are private companies buying military jet trainers?

Private defense contractors like ITPS acquire advanced military hardware to provide outsourced tactical training and adversary (“Red Air”) services to state militaries. This allows air forces to train their pilots against realistic threats without putting unnecessary wear and tear on their own expensive frontline combat aircraft.

Sources:

• Leonardo