The RCAF's Next Generation Fighter (CF-188 Replacement)

[armrdsoul77]

I believe the six already announced are for a non CAF private sector training organization.

Thread '"ITPS Canada Orders the M-346T Block 20"'

26 May 2026

Just spotted this re: new jet to be used to help the company train CAF test pilots & flight test engineers (among others), if I understand correctly ...

ITPS Canada Orders the M-346T Block 20

The ITPS Canada has ordered six M-346T Block 20, with options for six more, to support the expansion of NATO and Allied tactical fighter pilot training.

theaviationist.com

... with a bit more from the plane maker's info-machine:

ITPS CANADA ORDERS LEONARDO M-346 T BLOCK 20 ADVANCED JET TRAINERS TO MEET EVOLVING TACTICAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

www.leonardo.com

More on the plane

Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

...

• The Bread Guy
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Fixed-wing Aircraft

• 

 

[Czech_pivo]

I assume the six from outside the CAF aren't included in the count.

Now for my next question.
If we are getting 22 of these trainers, how does this ratio related to the potential 88 F35’s? Is this the correct ratio of trainers to fighters, or is to too low or high?

 

[Retired AF Guy]

Anyone have any thoughts on how many we may be purchasing? Would this be in conjunction with the 6 previously announced or a separate order? Any thoughts if we'd be looking to include any mods necessary to 'flip' this into a 'light fighter' if needed?

No mods necessary, it already has all the capabilities of a light strike fighter.

Don't just buy 22, buy about 70 or so. You can deploy them in any role where it wouldn't be practical to deploy Fat Annie F-35s.

 

[DBNSG]

No mods necessary, it already has all the capabilities of a light strike fighter.

Don't just buy 22, buy about 70 or so. You can deploy them in any role where it wouldn't be practical to deploy Fat Annie F-35s.

Is this Jet as capable or more than the Gripen?

 

[MrWhyt]

Is this Jet as capable or more than the Gripen?

no it's a trainer, depending on the variant there is some light combat capability.