ITPS Canada wins NATO training accreditation for flight test and tactical units

ITPS Canada, a privately operated flight training provider, has received accreditation under the NATO Flight Training Europe framework, known as NFTE. The recognition covers the company and its two operating units, the International Test Pilots School and the International Tactical Training Centre.

According to the company, the accreditation gives participating NATO air forces a more direct way to access training delivered by the two units, which range from specialist flight test and aerospace instruction to advanced military flying and tactical training for fighter aircrew.

To secure the status, ITPS Canada said it was evaluated against a set of criteria including aviation safety, training quality, governance, supervision and regulatory compliance.

Dave Lohse, chief executive of ITPS, said the accreditation reflects the professionalism and operational discipline of both units, adding that safety underpins their work and that the organisation aims to support NATO and allied readiness and interoperability.

The announcement follows a deal struck in May with Leonardo for 12 M-346 advanced jet trainers, with options for six more. Those aircraft, built in the Block 20 configuration, are intended for use by the tactical training centre and are expected to enter service in 2029. The unit's current fleet includes modernised Aero Vodochody L-39s along with L-29s and a number of Hawker jets, the company said.