Canada begins talks with Italy on buying advanced trainer jets

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 16 Jun, 2026 09:47 AM

Canada and Italy have entered talks for Canada’s purchase of M-346 advanced jet trainer aircraft.

The announcement was made after a meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains.

The jets are designed and produced by Leonardo, one of Italy’s largest aerospace companies.

It’s unclear how many jets Canada is looking to purchase.

The leaders say the agreement will enable the Royal Canadian Air Force to train in “state-of-the-art" equipment and build sovereign training capability.

Earlier this year, the International Test Pilots School of Canada ordered six Italian-made M-346 fighter jets for a new NATO training centre in North Bay.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Ukrainian Canadians mark solemn Independence Day, appreciate Carney for Kyiv visit

The president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress -- Alberta Provincial Council, the group behind Sunday's festival, said Carney's visit just goes to show the strong partnership Canada has with Ukraine.

Ukrainian Canadians mark solemn Independence Day, appreciate Carney for Kyiv visit

First Nations partnership to buy B.C. port terminal that moves critical minerals

The joint statement says northwest B.C. is home to more than half of the province's exploration and mining sector.

First Nations partnership to buy B.C. port terminal that moves critical minerals

In Warsaw, Carney deepens Canada's defence, trade ties with Poland

Carney was in Warsaw Monday where he met with his Polish counterpart, Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

In Warsaw, Carney deepens Canada's defence, trade ties with Poland

With U.S. pressure, concern emerging about fate of online streaming, news bills

Kevin Desjardins, president of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, which has supported both pieces of legislation, said his group is concerned when it hears the threats.

With U.S. pressure, concern emerging about fate of online streaming, news bills

Air Canada ramping up operations to near full schedule

The airline says in a Friday morning update that it expects 98 per cent of Canadian flights and 99 per cent of U.S. and International flights to go ahead in the next 24 hours.

Air Canada ramping up operations to near full schedule

Vancouver Island wildfire downgraded again, no longer a fire of note

The BC Wildfire Service says the Mount Underwood fire lost fire-of-note status, meaning it's no longer "especially visible" or posing a threat to public safety, after it was doused by 40 millimetres of rain over the past week.