National

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

Gun control groups 'disappointed" by lack of information on Tumbler Ridge firearms

Five gun control advocacy groups have told the RCMP they're "alarmed and disappointed" the force has not yet disclosed basic information about the models and legal status of the firearms used in the Tumbler Ridge, B.C., mass shooting.

Gun control groups 'disappointed" by lack of information on Tumbler Ridge firearms

Canada will 'never participate' in Iran offensive, Carney says

Prime Minister Mark Carney told MPs in the House of Commons Tuesday that Canada is not involved in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and "will never participate in it."

Canada will 'never participate' in Iran offensive, Carney says

Eby says he had 'frank discussion' with U.S. ambassador on lumber dispute, tariffs

B.C. Premier David Eby says he had a "frank discussion" with U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra about the cross-border softwood lumber dispute and tariffs.

Eby says he had 'frank discussion' with U.S. ambassador on lumber dispute, tariffs

Nunavut MP Lori Idlout crosses floor from NDP to Liberals

The NDP says Nunavut MP Lori Idlout has crossed the floor to join the Liberals, pushing Prime Minister Mark Carney's government closer to a majority.

Nunavut MP Lori Idlout crosses floor from NDP to Liberals

Idlout's floor-crossing gets Carney closer to majority as byelections loom

Nunavut MP Lori Idlout's decision to cross the floor from the NDP to the Liberals puts Prime Minister Mark Carney's government at 170 seats — two short of a majority — with three byelections still to come on April 13.

Idlout's floor-crossing gets Carney closer to majority as byelections loom

DARPAN Power Women Of Influence 2026: Less Than 2 Weeks Go-Celebrating Women and Their Excellence

In just 2 weeks, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, we will gather again for the 4th edition of the DARPAN Power Women of Influence, an empowering, women-focused celebration honouring trailblazers who are shaping industries, strengthening communities, and inspiring the next generation.