RCAF pilots at the International Flight Training School based at the Italian Air Force’s Decimomannu Air Base (Sardinia) Italy pose next to an M-346 training aircraft. (Canadian government photo)
WASHINGTON — The government of Canada has begun negotiations to buy the Leonardo-made M-346 trainer aircraft, according to a statement today from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office.
“Canada and Italy are becoming increasingly close in defence and security. To that end, the leaders were pleased to launch negotiations for Canada’s purchase of M-346 advanced jet trainer aircraft designed and produced by Leonardo, one of Italy’s largest aerospace companies,” said the statement, released as part of a readout from Carney’s meeting with Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni.
“Leveraging Italian expertise in aerospace and defence, this agreement will enable the Royal Canadian Air Force to train in state-of-the-art equipment and build sovereign training capability,” the statement adds, before noting it fits into the “Build-Partner-Buy approach building at home and partnering with reliable allies” — a notable comment given the relationship between Ottawa and Washington these days.
No further details on quantity, price or timeline were made available. A spokesperson for Leonardo said the company “Welcomes the Canadian Government’s statement on the M-346.”
