Canada Opens Talks with Italy to Acquire Leonardo M-346 Advanced Jet Trainer for Royal Canadian Air Force
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Canada is moving to acquire Leonardo’s M-346 advanced jet trainer as part of a broader defence agreement with Italy, a development announced following talks between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France on June 16, 2026. Beyond a potential aircraft purchase, the move would strengthen the Royal Canadian Air Force’s ability to train fighter pilots domestically, reducing reliance on external training arrangements while supporting long-term readiness for NORAD and NATO operations.
The M-346 combines high-performance flight characteristics with embedded simulation systems that replicate modern air combat environments, allowing pilots to train for complex missions without tying up frontline fighter fleets. Its ability to support advanced tactical training and emerging crewed-uncrewed teaming concepts positions it as a platform that could help prepare future Canadian aircrews for increasingly digital, networked, and contested operational environments.
Related Topic: Leonardo and Baykar K-SWARM Trials Show M-346 Evolving into Airborne Command Node for KIZILELMA Unmanned Fighter
Canada’s move to negotiate for Leonardo M-346 trainers signals a push to rebuild sovereign RCAF pilot training for future fighter and NORAD missions (Picture Source: Leonardo)
On June 16, 2026, Canada confirmed a new step in its defence relationship with Italy as Prime Minister Mark Carney met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the margins of the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Évian, France. According to the official readout published by the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada, both leaders launched negotiations for Canada’s purchase of Leonardo M-346 advanced jet trainer aircraft. The announcement is relevant beyond a future aircraft contract, as it points to Canada’s intention to strengthen Royal Canadian Air Force training, reduce dependence on external training solutions and build a more sovereign pipeline for future fighter pilots.
The M-346 is a twin-engine, tandem-seat advanced jet trainer designed and produced by Leonardo, with a configuration intended to prepare military pilots for the transition toward modern combat aircraft. Leonardo describes the aircraft as the core of an integrated training system combining the aircraft, embedded simulation, ground-based training, mission planning tools and integrated logistic support. Its fully digital flight controls, quadruple-redundant fly-by-wire system, Head-Up Display, Multi-Function Displays, Hands On Throttle And Stick controls and Pilot Activated Attitude Recovery System are designed to provide a training environment close to that of current-generation fighters while maintaining the safety margins required for advanced instruction.
The aircraft’s technical profile explains why it is being considered for a role in Canada’s future training architecture. The M-346 offers a maximum level speed of 1,090 km/h, a service ceiling of 45,000 ft and a load factor envelope of +8/-3 g, supported by two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines. Its flight envelope, high thrust-to-weight ratio and manoeuvrability at high angles of attack are intended to expose pilots to the handling demands of modern fighter aircraft before they move to operational conversion units. For the Royal Canadian Air Force, this type of platform could reduce the need to use front-line fighters for portions of advanced training, lowering pressure on combat aircraft availability while improving pilot preparation.
A major advantage of the M-346 is its Embedded Tactical Training System, which allows the aircraft to simulate sensors, weapons and computer-generated forces during flight. This enables pilots to train in complex tactical scenarios without requiring every threat, target or supporting aircraft to be physically present. Leonardo’s Live, Virtual and Constructive approach connects aircraft in flight, simulators and computer-generated environments, creating a training architecture suited to air forces preparing for data-driven operations. For Canada, such a system would support tactical decision-making, sensor management, mission rehearsal and air combat preparation in a more controlled and scalable environment.
The M-346 also has an established operational history. Leonardo states that the aircraft is already in service with the air forces of Italy, Singapore, Israel, Poland, Qatar and Greece. Its adoption by multiple air forces reflects its role not only as an advanced jet trainer, but also as part of broader national and multinational training ecosystems. The aircraft has evolved around the concept that training is no longer limited to basic flying skills, but must include mission systems, cockpit workload management, tactical simulation and preparation for complex coalition operations. This development path makes the M-346 relevant for countries seeking to modernize pilot training without relying exclusively on operational fighter fleets.
For Canada, the strategic implication is linked directly to North American air defence. The Royal Canadian Air Force must generate pilots capable of operating across a vast national airspace, supporting NORAD missions with the United States and contributing to NATO commitments abroad. A Canadian M-346 acquisition would not be a fighter procurement, but it could strengthen the foundation on which future fighter readiness depends. By building sovereign advanced jet training capability, Canada would be better positioned to maintain pilot throughput, sustain interoperability with allies and prepare crews for operations involving digital mission systems, contested airspace, long-range surveillance and integrated command-and-control networks.
The political dimension is also important. The official Canadian announcement framed the M-346 negotiations within a broader strengthening of Canada-Italy defence and security cooperation. It also linked the initiative to Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and its Build-Partner-Buy approach, which aims to build at home while partnering with reliable allies. In this context, negotiations with Italy for the M-346 would support more than an aircraft acquisition. They would reinforce Canada’s defence relationship with a European NATO ally, expand cooperation with Leonardo in aerospace and defence, and potentially open the way for training, sustainment or industrial participation arrangements depending on the outcome of the talks.
The M-346’s relevance is further reinforced by its potential role in future crewed-uncrewed air operations. Army Recognition reported on June 22, 2026, that Leonardo and Baykar completed live K-SWARM trials integrating the M-346 with the Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned fighter. During these trials, the M-346 acted as an airborne command node, allowing a pilot to command and coordinate the unmanned aircraft in real time, including autonomous formation changes, separations and rejoins, while retaining human control over mission decisions. This development shows that the M-346 ecosystem is moving beyond conventional training and could become a platform for experimentation with autonomy, secure data exchange, tactical coordination and future combat-air architectures.
For Canada, this aspect is particularly relevant because future air operations in North America are expected to rely increasingly on distributed sensing, autonomous systems, resilient communications and human-supervised decision-making. The Arctic, continental air defence and NORAD modernization all place growing emphasis on persistent awareness, rapid response and integrated command networks. If Canada proceeds with the M-346, the aircraft could provide not only an advanced training solution, but also a bridge toward concepts involving crewed-uncrewed teaming and digital air combat preparation. This would align pilot training with the operational environment that future Canadian fighter crews are likely to face.
The launch of negotiations does not yet define aircraft numbers, contract value, delivery schedule or industrial workshare. However, it sends a clear signal that Canada is examining a platform able to combine proven advanced jet training, embedded simulation and growth potential toward next-generation air combat concepts. For the Royal Canadian Air Force, the M-346 could become a key component in rebuilding sovereign training capability and preparing pilots for a more complex operational environment. For Canada and Italy, the talks mark a practical step in defence cooperation at a time when allied training capacity, aerospace resilience and future airpower integration are becoming central elements of military readiness.
Written by Teoman S. Nicanci – Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Teoman S. Nicanci holds degrees in Political Science, Comparative and International Politics, and International Relations and Diplomacy from leading Belgian universities, with research focused on Russian strategic behavior, defense technology, and modern warfare. He is a defense analyst at Army Recognition, specializing in the global defense industry, military armament, and emerging defense technologies.
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Canada is moving to acquire Leonardo’s M-346 advanced jet trainer as part of a broader defence agreement with Italy, a development announced following talks between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France on June 16, 2026. Beyond a potential aircraft purchase, the move would strengthen the Royal Canadian Air Force’s ability to train fighter pilots domestically, reducing reliance on external training arrangements while supporting long-term readiness for NORAD and NATO operations.
The M-346 combines high-performance flight characteristics with embedded simulation systems that replicate modern air combat environments, allowing pilots to train for complex missions without tying up frontline fighter fleets. Its ability to support advanced tactical training and emerging crewed-uncrewed teaming concepts positions it as a platform that could help prepare future Canadian aircrews for increasingly digital, networked, and contested operational environments.
Related Topic: Leonardo and Baykar K-SWARM Trials Show M-346 Evolving into Airborne Command Node for KIZILELMA Unmanned Fighter
Canada’s move to negotiate for Leonardo M-346 trainers signals a push to rebuild sovereign RCAF pilot training for future fighter and NORAD missions (Picture Source: Leonardo)
On June 16, 2026, Canada confirmed a new step in its defence relationship with Italy as Prime Minister Mark Carney met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the margins of the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Évian, France. According to the official readout published by the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada, both leaders launched negotiations for Canada’s purchase of Leonardo M-346 advanced jet trainer aircraft. The announcement is relevant beyond a future aircraft contract, as it points to Canada’s intention to strengthen Royal Canadian Air Force training, reduce dependence on external training solutions and build a more sovereign pipeline for future fighter pilots.
The M-346 is a twin-engine, tandem-seat advanced jet trainer designed and produced by Leonardo, with a configuration intended to prepare military pilots for the transition toward modern combat aircraft. Leonardo describes the aircraft as the core of an integrated training system combining the aircraft, embedded simulation, ground-based training, mission planning tools and integrated logistic support. Its fully digital flight controls, quadruple-redundant fly-by-wire system, Head-Up Display, Multi-Function Displays, Hands On Throttle And Stick controls and Pilot Activated Attitude Recovery System are designed to provide a training environment close to that of current-generation fighters while maintaining the safety margins required for advanced instruction.
The aircraft’s technical profile explains why it is being considered for a role in Canada’s future training architecture. The M-346 offers a maximum level speed of 1,090 km/h, a service ceiling of 45,000 ft and a load factor envelope of +8/-3 g, supported by two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines. Its flight envelope, high thrust-to-weight ratio and manoeuvrability at high angles of attack are intended to expose pilots to the handling demands of modern fighter aircraft before they move to operational conversion units. For the Royal Canadian Air Force, this type of platform could reduce the need to use front-line fighters for portions of advanced training, lowering pressure on combat aircraft availability while improving pilot preparation.
A major advantage of the M-346 is its Embedded Tactical Training System, which allows the aircraft to simulate sensors, weapons and computer-generated forces during flight. This enables pilots to train in complex tactical scenarios without requiring every threat, target or supporting aircraft to be physically present. Leonardo’s Live, Virtual and Constructive approach connects aircraft in flight, simulators and computer-generated environments, creating a training architecture suited to air forces preparing for data-driven operations. For Canada, such a system would support tactical decision-making, sensor management, mission rehearsal and air combat preparation in a more controlled and scalable environment.
The M-346 also has an established operational history. Leonardo states that the aircraft is already in service with the air forces of Italy, Singapore, Israel, Poland, Qatar and Greece. Its adoption by multiple air forces reflects its role not only as an advanced jet trainer, but also as part of broader national and multinational training ecosystems. The aircraft has evolved around the concept that training is no longer limited to basic flying skills, but must include mission systems, cockpit workload management, tactical simulation and preparation for complex coalition operations. This development path makes the M-346 relevant for countries seeking to modernize pilot training without relying exclusively on operational fighter fleets.
For Canada, the strategic implication is linked directly to North American air defence. The Royal Canadian Air Force must generate pilots capable of operating across a vast national airspace, supporting NORAD missions with the United States and contributing to NATO commitments abroad. A Canadian M-346 acquisition would not be a fighter procurement, but it could strengthen the foundation on which future fighter readiness depends. By building sovereign advanced jet training capability, Canada would be better positioned to maintain pilot throughput, sustain interoperability with allies and prepare crews for operations involving digital mission systems, contested airspace, long-range surveillance and integrated command-and-control networks.
The political dimension is also important. The official Canadian announcement framed the M-346 negotiations within a broader strengthening of Canada-Italy defence and security cooperation. It also linked the initiative to Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and its Build-Partner-Buy approach, which aims to build at home while partnering with reliable allies. In this context, negotiations with Italy for the M-346 would support more than an aircraft acquisition. They would reinforce Canada’s defence relationship with a European NATO ally, expand cooperation with Leonardo in aerospace and defence, and potentially open the way for training, sustainment or industrial participation arrangements depending on the outcome of the talks.
The M-346’s relevance is further reinforced by its potential role in future crewed-uncrewed air operations. Army Recognition reported on June 22, 2026, that Leonardo and Baykar completed live K-SWARM trials integrating the M-346 with the Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned fighter. During these trials, the M-346 acted as an airborne command node, allowing a pilot to command and coordinate the unmanned aircraft in real time, including autonomous formation changes, separations and rejoins, while retaining human control over mission decisions. This development shows that the M-346 ecosystem is moving beyond conventional training and could become a platform for experimentation with autonomy, secure data exchange, tactical coordination and future combat-air architectures.
For Canada, this aspect is particularly relevant because future air operations in North America are expected to rely increasingly on distributed sensing, autonomous systems, resilient communications and human-supervised decision-making. The Arctic, continental air defence and NORAD modernization all place growing emphasis on persistent awareness, rapid response and integrated command networks. If Canada proceeds with the M-346, the aircraft could provide not only an advanced training solution, but also a bridge toward concepts involving crewed-uncrewed teaming and digital air combat preparation. This would align pilot training with the operational environment that future Canadian fighter crews are likely to face.
The launch of negotiations does not yet define aircraft numbers, contract value, delivery schedule or industrial workshare. However, it sends a clear signal that Canada is examining a platform able to combine proven advanced jet training, embedded simulation and growth potential toward next-generation air combat concepts. For the Royal Canadian Air Force, the M-346 could become a key component in rebuilding sovereign training capability and preparing pilots for a more complex operational environment. For Canada and Italy, the talks mark a practical step in defence cooperation at a time when allied training capacity, aerospace resilience and future airpower integration are becoming central elements of military readiness.
Written by Teoman S. Nicanci – Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Teoman S. Nicanci holds degrees in Political Science, Comparative and International Politics, and International Relations and Diplomacy from leading Belgian universities, with research focused on Russian strategic behavior, defense technology, and modern warfare. He is a defense analyst at Army Recognition, specializing in the global defense industry, military armament, and emerging defense technologies.
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