The International Test Pilots School of Canada has ordered six Leonardo M-346 advanced jet trainers for a new NATO pilot training hub in North Bay [1].
This expansion represents a strategic increase in tactical fighter pilot training for NATO and its allies. The project is expected to boost local employment in Ontario as the facility grows to meet evolving military requirements [1, 4].
The school selected the M-346 T-Block 20 models to provide advanced tactical training [4]. While the initial order consists of six aircraft [1], the agreement includes an option to purchase six additional jets [1].
Deliveries of the Italian-made aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2029 [2]. The move brings the school's specialized test pilot training capabilities to North Bay, expanding its footprint beyond its previous locations [3].
The hub will focus on high-level tactical training to ensure pilots can operate in modern combat environments. By utilizing the M-346, the school can simulate the performance of advanced fighter aircraft without the cost of operating front-line combat jets [4].
“The International Test Pilots School of Canada has ordered six Leonardo M-346 advanced jet trainers.”
The establishment of a NATO-aligned training hub in North Bay signals a shift toward more centralized, high-tech tactical training in Canada. By utilizing the M-346, a platform known for its ability to mimic the flight characteristics of fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, the ITPS Canada can prepare pilots for complex modern warfare while reducing the operational costs associated with using primary combat aircraft.
