Full Breakdown
Canada Launches Negotiations for Leonardo M-346 Advanced Jet Trainer
6/19/2026, 1:51:29 AM
Negotiation Launch
On 16 June 2026, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced, on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Évian, France, the start of formal talks for Canada to purchase Leonardo’s M-346 advanced jet trainer. No details on quantity, price or delivery schedule were released.
Training Gap & FFLIT
Canada retired its CT-155 Hawk fleet in March 2024, ending the NATO Flying Training in Canada programme. RCAF pilots now train at the ENJJPT centre in Texas and at Italy’s International Flight Training School in Sardinia, where they already fly the M-346. The Future Fighter Lead-In Training (FFLIT) programme seeks a domestic trainer for the upcoming CF-35A fleet.
Stakeholders & Competing Offers
The talks involve Canada, Italy and Leonardo. Private operator International Test Pilots School (ITPS) has ordered six M-346 Block 20 aircraft. Competing offers have come from Boeing/Saab and KAI/Lockheed Martin. Canada retired 22 Hawks; the RCAF estimates 20-24 M-346s for a re-activated 419 Squadron. The M-346 uses two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofans, six LCD displays, two HUDs, a helmet-mounted display and an embedded tactical training system. Service entry is slated for 2030-2032, matching the RAGNAR range-modernisation project.
Official Statements
Canada said the agreement would enable the RCAF to train with state-of-the-art equipment and build sovereign training capability. Leonardo’s spokesperson said the company “Welcomes the Canadian Government’s statement on the M-346.”
Criticism
Analysts note the shift away from U.S. suppliers, saying Canada is “turning toward Europe to rebuild its depleted military rather than work with an erratic U.S. administration.” The comment highlights concerns about over-reliance on European partners.
Verbatim Quotes
- “pleased to launch negotiations” — Mark Carney, PM
- “This agreement will enable the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) to train in state-of-the-art equipment and build sovereign training capability,” — Mark Carney’s office
- “This is Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy in action, with the Build-Partner-Buy approach building at home and partnering with reliable allies.” — Mark Carney’s office
- “Welcomes the Canadian Government’s statement on the M-346.” — Leonardo spokesperson
Impact and What’s Next
The M-346 will give Canada a sovereign trainer fleet, cut reliance on pipelines and support pilot conversion to the CF-35A. The deal reinforces the Build-Partner-Buy policy and deepens defence ties with Italy, complementing the Saab GlobalEye and a mixed F-35/Gripen force. Negotiations will address aircraft numbers, ground-training infrastructure and industrial participation, with service entry expected between 2030 and 2032.
Conflicting Reports
Official sources have not disclosed aircraft numbers, price or delivery dates. RCAF estimates of needed airframes range from 20 to 24, while some reports simply note the number is “undisclosed.” Timeline projections vary between early 2030s and a specific 2030-2032 window. Canada says the M-346 will serve only as a trainer, though the type can be configured for light-attack missions, a capability not addressed in current statements.
