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

This article is based on an official press release from Deutsche Aircraft.

Deutsche Aircraft Unveils Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming Concept Ahead of ILA Berlin 2026

Ahead of the Air-Shows ILA Berlin 2026 aerospace trade show, scheduled for June 10 through June 14, 2026, German Manufacturers Deutsche Aircraft has announced a major expansion of its aviation portfolio. According to an official company press release, the manufacturer is introducing a new uncrewed aerial system designed to operate in tandem with its crewed D328® Multi Role (MR) turboprop.

This integrated “crewed-uncrewed” teaming concept is engineered to provide European governmental and civil operators with highly flexible, sovereign solutions for mission-critical operations. The company notes that the combined fleet approach will support a variety of demanding applications, including border control, maritime surveillance, and medical evacuation.

By developing these capabilities domestically, Deutsche Aircraft aims to address the growing demand for turnkey, multi-role aircraft configurations among European defense and public-sector agencies. The upcoming showcase in Berlin will serve as the primary platform to demonstrate these new operational synergies to the global aerospace ecosystem.

The D328® Multi Role and Uncrewed Teaming Concept

Expanding the Dornier Legacy

The foundation of this new portfolio is the D328MR, a civil-certified, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) aircraft built upon the proven legacy of the Dornier 328 platform. Deutsche Aircraft states that the D328MR is optimized for demanding environments, boasting short-field performance and the ability to operate from unprepared runways. Furthermore, the aircraft features interchangeable cabin modules, allowing operators to quickly reconfigure the airframe for different operational roles such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), search and rescue, and tactical transport.

Integrating Uncrewed Assets

To enhance the baseline capabilities of the D328MR, Deutsche Aircraft is introducing a complementary uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV). In mixed-fleet scenarios, the press release details that the crewed D328MR will serve as the primary mission hardware. Meanwhile, the uncrewed vehicle will act as a data-gathering complement, delivering wide-area maritime and border surveillance coverage and effectively extending the operational range of the primary aircraft.

ILA Berlin 2026 Showcase and Strategic Vision

Static Displays and Autonomous Refueling

During ILA Berlin 2026, Deutsche Aircraft will be located at the BDLI Joint Pavilion (Booth C-342). The company announced that it will feature an active front-line European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX) D328 on static display, presented in cooperation with Dutch aviation provider EASP Air NL. Alongside the aircraft, the manufacturer will showcase an autonomous refueling pod, which highlights the platform’s capacity for flexible, long-endurance missions.

Emphasizing the strategic importance of this portfolio expansion, Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, highlighted the need for domestic adaptability in the public sector.

“Europe needs sovereign, flexible and future-proof aviation solutions for public-sector operations. With the D328MR, complemented by uncrewed capabilities, we are offering a portfolio that allows authorities to select the right platforms for each mission, based on civilian certification, safety and long-term operational sovereignty.”

AirPro News analysis

We observe that a major driving force behind Deutsche Aircraft’s portfolio expansion is the growing mandate among European agencies to achieve local technical sovereignty. By keeping the industrialization, parts production, system integration, and commercial delivery of the uncrewed program entirely within Germany, the manufacturer ensures that critical industrial knowledge remains within the European region.

Furthermore, geopolitical volatility has clearly spurred a surge in government demand for multi-role aircraft configurations. Industry data indicates that approximately 30% of the global Dornier 328 fleet already operates in non-civil roles. As governments and defense agencies increasingly seek turnkey, mixed-fleet solutions, the combination of crewed and uncrewed assets offers a compelling value proposition: lower operating costs, the benefits of civilian certification, and the agility to adapt to rapidly changing mission parameters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When and where is ILA Berlin 2026 taking place?
ILA Berlin 2026 is scheduled to take place from June 10 to June 14, 2026, at the Berlin ExpoCenter Airport. Deutsche Aircraft will be exhibiting at Booth C-342.

What is the D328® Multi Role (MR)?
The D328MR is a civil-certified, commercial off-the-shelf turboprop aircraft designed for public-sector missions, including ISR, search and rescue, and medical evacuation. It features interchangeable cabin modules and short-field performance capabilities.

How does the crewed-uncrewed teaming concept work?
In this configuration, the crewed D328MR acts as the primary mission command and hardware platform, while a complementary uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) conducts wide-area data gathering and surveillance, extending the overall operational range.

Sources: Deutsche Aircraft Press Release

On May 26, 2026, Hanwha Aerospace and the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) officially launched a joint development program to produce South Korea’s first indigenous 4,500-pound-force (lbf) turbofan engine. According to the official press release, the engine is targeted for operational deployment by 2029 and is designed primarily to power Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

We note that this initiative represents a critical milestone in South Korea’s pursuit of aerospace self-sufficiency. Historically reliant on foreign military engines, Seoul is now positioning itself as a top-tier player in the rapidly expanding global market for autonomous military systems, aiming to end its dependence on external supply chains.

Technical Specifications and Innovations

The 100 kW Embedded Starter-Generator

The new high-bypass turbofan engine will generate 4,500 lbf (2,040 kg) of thrust. While optimized for military UAVs, the program details note that the engine maintains a dual-use architecture, meaning it could eventually be adapted for civil aviation applications such as small commercial business jets.

A major technical innovation highlighted in the development plan is the inclusion of an embedded starter-generator. Rather than utilizing a traditional external unit, the generator will be integrated directly onto the engine’s rotating shaft. According to industry research, this design choice significantly reduces the overall weight of the engine, thereby improving flight performance and efficiency.

Crucially, this embedded generator is designed to reliably supply up to 100 kilowatts (kW) of electrical power. Defense analysts emphasize that this high power output is essential for modern autonomous combat aircraft, which require substantial electricity to run advanced artificial intelligence computing, sensor arrays, radar systems, and electronic warfare systems.

Strategic Funding and Market Implications

A Billion-Dollar Investment in Autonomy

The project is being led by Hanwha Aerospace, South Korea’s largest defense conglomerate, in collaboration with KASA, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), various universities, and domestic subcontractors.

Financial commitments to the program are substantial. According to industry reports, KASA has allocated approximately 900 billion won (roughly $650 million) in state funding between 2026 and 2029 for this next-generation dual-use aircraft engine program. In tandem, Hanwha Aerospace plans to invest an additional 750 billion won (approximately $498 million) to build out a comprehensive drone engine portfolio.

This 4,500-lbf engine is part of a broader government-backed UAV propulsion strategy. Hanwha is also reportedly developing a 5,500-lbf low-bypass turbofan for low-observable unmanned wingman aircraft, as well as core technologies for a 10,000-lbf turbofan intended for larger stealth platforms.

AirPro News analysis

We view this combined investment of over $1.1 billion as a clear declaration of aerospace independence by South Korea. Currently, the domestically built KF-21 Boramae fighter jet relies on the American General Electric F414 engine. By developing an indigenous turbofan, South Korea mitigates the vulnerability of potential export restrictions and strengthens the resilience of its national defense supply chain.

Furthermore, securing domestic technology for the “heart of the unmanned fighter” positions South Korea to capture a significant share of the global CCA market. Industry forecasts expect the CCA market to exceed 3,000 units by the 2040s. If Hanwha successfully produces a reliable and affordable turbofan by 2029, South Korea will possess a highly lucrative export product for allied nations developing their own drone programs.

Liselotte Odgaard, a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, noted that Seoul’s attempt to indigenize this complex drone technology should be viewed as a “deliberate bid to enter the top tier of UAV producers.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)?

The Collaborative Combat Aircraft concept represents a major shift in military aviation. Instead of deploying manned fighters alone, the CCA model pairs them with AI-powered “loyal wingman” drones that can scout ahead, jam enemy radars, or carry additional munitions to support the primary manned aircraft.

Why do modern drones require 100 kW of electrical power?

As aircraft become increasingly “electrified,” they rely on power-hungry onboard electronics. A 100 kW output is necessary to support the intense computing requirements of artificial intelligence, as well as advanced sensors, radar systems, and electronic warfare equipment required on the modern aerial battlefield.

Sources

• aunches-uav-engine-development-program-with-korea-aerospace-administration.do”>Hanwha Aerospace Press Release
• Industry Research Report