Thursday, June 18, 2026
ADVT 
National

Canada begins talks with Italy on buying advanced trainer jets

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 16 Jun, 2026 09:47 AM
  • Canada begins talks with Italy on buying advanced trainer jets

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

MORE National ARTICLES

Major public safety expansion: More officers, new training campus coming to Surrey

Major public safety expansion: More officers, new training campus coming to Surrey
Mayor Brenda Locke on Thursday delivered her annual State of the City address, outlining priorities to manage rapid growth, strengthen public safety, and build the infrastructure needed for Surrey’s future as a major Canadian city.

Major public safety expansion: More officers, new training campus coming to Surrey

Carney says he's open to selling infrastructure like airports to finance projects

Carney says he's open to selling infrastructure like airports to finance projects
Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Thursday his government is open to selling public assets if the proceeds could help fund new infrastructure.

Carney says he's open to selling infrastructure like airports to finance projects

Police watchdog agency to probe woman's fall from Vancouver's Granville Street Bridge

Police watchdog agency to probe woman's fall from Vancouver's Granville Street Bridge
British Columbia's police watchdog agency is investigating the death of a woman who fell from Vancouver's Granville Street Bridge in an incident that unfolded over more than nine hours.

Police watchdog agency to probe woman's fall from Vancouver's Granville Street Bridge

Carney, Smith confirm energy announcement coming Friday

Carney, Smith confirm energy announcement coming Friday
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith say they'll be in Calgary on Friday to announce the next step in their landmark energy pact.

Carney, Smith confirm energy announcement coming Friday

Carney unveils new electricity strategy, noncommittal on 2030 climate targets

Carney unveils new electricity strategy, noncommittal on 2030 climate targets
Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled Canada's long-awaited new electricity strategy Thursday, placing a heavy emphasis on expanding the role of natural gas in powering the grid as he seemed to distance the government from its 2030 Paris climate commitments.

Carney unveils new electricity strategy, noncommittal on 2030 climate targets

26 'low-risk' air passengers being contacted about hantavirus: Canada's top doctor

26 'low-risk' air passengers being contacted about hantavirus: Canada's top doctor
Canada's chief medical officer of health says 26 people across the country are being contacted by public health authorities to monitor for hantavirus symptoms, though they are deemed "low risk."

26 'low-risk' air passengers being contacted about hantavirus: Canada's top doctor