CAE and Leonardo expand fighter pilot training partnership

CAE (CAE) and Leonardo (FINMF) (FINMY) announced an expanded partnership at the Farnborough International Airshow to develop advanced training technologies for fighter pilots as military aviation shifts toward greater use of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and next generation combat operations.

The companies said the agreement builds on their existing partnership supporting the M-346 Integrated Training System and expands cooperation into Live, Virtual and Constructive, or LVC, training and Live Synthetic Integration, or LSI, environments.

The collaboration includes a joint technology roadmap to further develop the M-346 Integrated Training System, including capabilities planned for the Block 20 configuration.

Building on existing training school

The expanded agreement builds on the International Flight Training School in Decimomannu, Sardinia, which is operated by Leonardo in collaboration with CAE and the Italian Air Force.

The companies said the school combines live flight operations, simulation and mission rehearsal to prepare pilots for complex operational scenarios.

They added that the integrated training approach also supports interoperability by allowing pilots from multiple countries to train together using common operational standards, tactics and mission scenarios.

Focus on future operations

Under the agreement, CAE (CAE) and Leonardo will develop training capabilities designed to prepare pilots for future air operations involving artificial intelligence-enabled systems, autonomous technologies and increasingly integrated mission environments.

The companies said advanced simulation and synthetic training environments are intended to allow pilots to rehearse more complex scenarios while reducing the need to conduct every exercise in live aircraft.

Although the Farnborough Airshow is traditionally known for major commercial aircraft orders, it has also become an important venue for defense companies to announce partnerships, technology programs and military aviation initiatives. Investors monitor the event for indications of future defense spending priorities and international collaboration alongside commercial aerospace activity.