Leonardo has secured an order from International Test Pilot School for M-346T advanced trainer jets following a successful airborne evaluation campaign conducted at Ottawa International Airport in October 2025.
Under the contract, ITPS will receive six Block 20 lead-in fighter trainers, with options for six more aircraft and an additional final flight evaluation. The jets are scheduled for delivery to the International Tactical Training Centre in North Bay, Ontario, starting in 2029 to support expanded NATO and allied tactical pilot instruction programs.
The Block 20 version of the M-346 features an enhanced training architecture that integrates ground simulators with live-flight operations through a live, virtual, and constructive training framework.
The aircraft has a length of roughly 11.5 meters (38 feet) and a wingspan close to 10 meters (33 feet). Equipped with two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, it can reach speeds of 1,090 kilometers (677 miles) per hour and operate at altitudes up to 13,715 meters (45,000 feet).
Its agility, high thrust-to-weight ratio, and ability to maneuver at elevated angles make the M-346 well suited for preparing pilots to transition into advanced fighters such as the F-35 Lightning II and Eurofighter Typhoon.
Leonardo and Textron also introduced the Beechcraft M-346N light jet trainer in July 2025 for the US Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System competition. In addition to its training role, the aircraft can be configured for light combat missions through the M-346FA variant, which has drawn interest from countries including Austria, Indonesia, and Nigeria.
