CAE and Leonardo announced a collaboration agreement on July 22, 2026, to leverage their longstanding partnership on the M-346 Integrated Training System (ITS). The agreement strengthens cooperation to address market opportunities in advanced fighter pilot training. It establishes the development of advanced capabilities to prepare pilots for evolving operational concepts, including latest and next-generation air operations, AI-enabled systems, and increasingly autonomous mission environments.

The agreement reflects the continued growth of the CAE–Leonardo relationship and expands its scope into Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) and Live Synthetic Integration (LSI) environments. The companies will collaborate on a technology roadmap that advances the M-346 ITS, including the Block 20 system features.

International Flight Training School

The International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Decimomannu, Sardinia, serves as a proven example of the partnership. The Italian Air Force advanced training school is powered by Leonardo in collaboration with CAE. It delivers one of the world's most integrated fighter jet training environments for complex, next-generation operational missions.

By combining live flight training, advanced simulation, and mission rehearsal, supported by data-driven instruction, IFTS demonstrates how integrated training solutions can accelerate and sustain mission readiness. The integrated training approach reflects a growing need for greater interoperability among allied air forces.

Strategic Objectives

Training environments such as IFTS enable pilots from different nations to train together using common standards, tactics, and mission scenarios. This strengthens operational cohesion across NATO and partner forces. Advanced simulation allows pilots to experience complex operational scenarios repeatedly and safely, accelerating learning while improving preparedness for real-world missions.

Pascal Grenier, President, CAE Defense & Security, stated that the collaboration will develop training environments to help aviators build the judgement and adaptability needed for advanced mission systems. Stefano Bortoli, Managing Director, Leonardo Aeronautics, emphasized that the agreement will strengthen the development of highly skilled pilots for current and future operational requirements.

CAE and Saab have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on advanced training, simulation, and mission support capabilities for the Gripen fighter aircraft in Canada. The partnership is contingent upon the Government of Canada selecting the Gripen as part of its future fighter capability. This collaboration aims to leverage Saab's platform expertise alongside CAE's training and operational support solutions.

Under the proposed collaboration, CAE would take a lead role in establishing and operating a Canadian-based training ecosystem. This ecosystem would support Gripen pilots and technicians through advanced pilot training, simulator operations, technical training, and sustainment services. The initiative focuses on creating a comprehensive support infrastructure within Canada.

The agreement also outlines plans for CAE and Saab to explore opportunities in mission systems development and sustainment. By combining Saab's aircraft knowledge with CAE's simulation technologies, the companies intend to provide integrated support solutions. The scope of work includes both initial training and long-term operational sustainment.

Proposed Collaboration Scope

The MoU represents a strategic alignment between the two companies to position themselves for Canada's future fighter procurement process. The actual execution of the projects under this agreement depends entirely on the Government of Canada's decision regarding the Gripen aircraft.