Aviation News – The Canadian and Italian governments have officially launched bilateral negotiations to procure the M-346 advanced jet trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The strategic defense initiative aims to modernize the nation’s military pilot training pipeline using next-generation aerospace technology.
The high-profile procurement process was initiated during a private bilateral meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two leaders finalized the directive on June 16, 2026, while meeting on the sidelines of the annual G7 Leaders’ Summit hosted in Évian, France.
This diplomatic milestone highlights an increasingly close defense and security partnership between Ottawa and Rome. The targeted aircraft are designed and manufactured by Leonardo, Italy’s premier aerospace and defense multinational, which has secured prominent training contracts worldwide with its signature platform.
The M-346 aircraft functions as a highly sophisticated lead-in fighter trainer, utilizing integrated simulators and digital glass cockpits to replicate the flight characteristics of fifth-generation front-line combat jets. By shifting advanced tactical training hours from expensive operational fighter fleets to this highly efficient platform, Canada can rapidly build a highly responsive and sovereign training capability.
