Canadian flight training provider CAE has signed an agreement with Italian aerospace company Leonardo to modernize courses associated with the M-346 Master transonic training aircraft.
The deal broadens the firms’ existing aviation apprenticeship services to include Live, Virtual and Constructive; and the Live Synthetic Integration syllabus.
The consortium will also develop a technology roadmap in preparation for future M-346 configurations, including the latest Block 20 digital variants, and prepare aircrews for artificial intelligence-enabled and increasingly autonomous operations.
According to the companies, the effort builds on the International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Decimomannu, Sardinia, where they jointly provide integrated pilot training for the Italian Air Force and foreign customers.
The school combines live flying, advanced simulation, and mission rehearsal to prepare pilots for challenging airspaces.
“The future battlespace will place greater demands on pilots than ever before,” said Pascal Grenier, president of CAE Defense and Security.
“Through this collaboration, we will develop training environments that help aviators build the judgement, adaptability, and decision-making skills needed to employ advanced and automated mission systems.”
Leonardo Aeronautics Managing Director Stefano Bortoli echoed that sentiment, adding that pilot training “must rapidly adapt” with “current and future operational requirements” as air forces field more advanced aircraft.
“By combining our complementary know-hows and experiences, already shown through our collaboration on the [IFTS], we are strengthening our ability to support defence leaders in ensuring their pilots are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow’s battlespace,” Bortoli stated.
M-346 in Canada
The announcement follows Canada’s decision last June to employ the M-346 Master as its next-generation advanced jet trainer.
The platform will support pilot training as Ottawa replaces its aging CF-18 fleet with fifth-generation fighters, potentially with the Lockheed Martin F-35 and the Saab Gripen JAS 39 combat aircraft.
