Leonardo Increases Collaborations with CAE, Lockheed Martin

Leonardo has struck agreements with CAE and Lockheed Martin covering M-346 training and C-130J Super Hercules support.

Under a collaboration agreement, Leonardo and CAE will build on their longstanding partnership on the M-346 integrated training system (ITS) to explore market opportunities in fighter pilot training and advanced capabilities, including addressing AI-enabled systems and autonomous missions.

The companies will develop a technology roadmap for the M-346 ITS, including the Block 20 system upgrades on the jet trainer and expanding the scope of their joint efforts into Live, Virtual and Constructive, and Live Synthetic Integration environments.

M-346 training is provided at the International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Decimomannu, Sardinia, an Italian Air Force and Leonardo joint venture in collaboration with CAE.

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

Stefano Bortoli, managing director of Leonardo’s Aeronautics division, added that the progressive agreement “will strengthen the development of highly skilled pilots for current and future operational requirements.”

As for the Lockheed Martin C-130J, under a separate agreement, Lockheed Martin is further integrating Leonardo into its support network as a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center for operators in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA). The agreement further opens the possibility for additional business opportunities related to C-130J maintenance and sustainment.

More than 570 C-130Js have been delivered to 27 countries. Of those countries, 16 are in Europe and MENA—all of which are potential users of the MRO facility in Italy, Leonardo pointed out. The Italian aerospace company added that the agreement builds on its 20-year relationship with Lockheed Martin involving technical and logistical support to the Italian Air Force's Super Hercules fleet.

“Investment and teaming with Leonardo will create a better capability for Europe and an ability to expand services to other regions,” said Trish Pagan, v-p of air mobility and maritime missions at Lockheed Martin.