CAE and Leonardo Expand Pilot Training Collaboration

CAE and Leonardo have formed a collaboration agreement that builds on their partnership on the M-346 Integrated Training System (ITS). The agreement addresses market opportunities in advanced fighter pilot training and establishes development of capabilities to prepare pilots for evolving operational concepts, including next generation air operations, AI-enabled systems, and increasingly autonomous mission environments.

The agreement expands the CAE-Leonardo relationship 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 Block 20 system features.

The International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Decimomannu, Sardinia, an Italian Air Force training school operated by Leonardo with CAE, combines live flight training, advanced simulation, and mission rehearsal supported by data-driven instruction.

"The future battlespace will place greater demands on pilots than ever before," said Pascal Grenier, President, CAE Defense & Security.  "Through this collaboration, we will develop training environments that help aviators build the judgement, adaptability, and decision-making skills needed to employ advanced and automated mission systems."

"As nations across the world prepare to operate increasingly advanced and integrated air capabilities, pilot training must rapidly adapt to make sure the entire syllabus and the relevant technologies fully adhere to this evolution," said Stefano Bortoli, Leonardo Aeronautics Managing Director.