We had an opportunity to speak with Top Aces and ITPS at CANSEC 2025 to find out what these two Canadian companies have to offer in terms of training as the Royal Canadian Air Force continues to grow its need to prepare for the new shipment of F-35s expected next year.
Didier Toussaint, Group President of Top Aces Inc., said Top Aces is prepared to play a vital role in the evolving defence landscape, particularly as Canada shifts from CF-18s to F-35 fighter jets – an undertaking that presents both challenges and opportunities.
“Technology and transition are key factors,” Toussaint noted. “Moving to the F-35 is a massive step, but we have the experience to navigate it.”
Top Aces operates a large and advanced fleet of commercially operated tactical aircraft —over 150 jets.
They use an Advanced Aggressor Mission System (AAMS) which enables them to integrate cutting-edge sensors and systems. These include active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, infrared search and track (IRST), helmet mounted cueing systems (HMCS), and advanced datalinks which replicate the threats posed by modern adversary fighter aircraft during live-fly training.
Top Aces provides live-fly Adversary Air (ADAIR) and Close Air Support (CAS) training using a fleet of upgraded Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jets, Douglas A-4 Skyhawks, and Bombardier Learjet 35s.
Top Aces services extend the lifespan of military aircraft by assuming the adversary role in training, enabling active-duty pilots to focus on “Blue Air” tactics. This approach reduces wear on military fleets and lowers in-house training costs.
Top Aces services allow RCAF active-duty pilots to focus on Blue Air tactics, which means pilots can practise flying and tactics as if they are against a real enemy in training exercises. RCAF pilots can utilize the full aircraft systems as if they were actual operational missions.
“Top Aces offers unparalleled fighter operations and training subject matter expertise, with a proven track record of success in defense training programs for over 25 years. As Canada transitions to a fifth-generation platform, we envisage training RCAF fighter pilots throughout their careers from initial selection into the advanced jet stream, through future fighter lead-in training (FFLIT) and beyond. Top Aces will collaborate with other Canadian defence industry partners to leverage our exceptional knowledge and experience in fighter operations, delivering robust and efficient solutions for Canada’s FFCP, OTIEM, FFLIT, and FAcT programs.”
Dave Lohse, CEO of International Test Pilot School (ITPS) Canada Ltd., said he is excited about the future for his company.
“This is incredibly positive news for a Canadian company like ours,” said Lohse.
ITPS has been operating Lead-In Fighter Training programs domestically since 2019 and advanced fighter weapons school courses since 2001 through its tactical operating division, International Tactical Training Centre (ITTC).
ITTC provides a range of tactical training programs, including Fighter Lead-in Training (FLIT), Fighter Weapons Instructor Course (FWIC), Advanced Jet Training, and the Mission Commander Course. Among these, FLIT is the most frequently delivered course.
The FLIT course is designed to efficiently and cost-effectively develop core fighter pilot competencies—including flying skills, situational awareness, tactical knowledge, physical and mental fitness, and officer development. The program encompasses Phases III and IV: Phase III introduces pilots to fast-jet operations with exposure to basic tactical concepts, while Phase IV builds the foundation for tactical execution. Additionally, the Advanced Tactical Simulator Phase prepares students for operations in 4.5 and 5th generation aircraft.
The Air Dominance Athletics program is a key component of ITTC’s training, ensuring fighter pilot students achieve peak mental and physical performance. In-house subject matter experts use scientifically proven techniques to enhance cognitive function, decision-making and resilience under high stress. Peak physical fitness training enhances cockpit endurance, agility, coordination, and career longevity in critical combat and training situations. Advanced biometric tracking and data analytics support continuous performance optimization.
ITTC uses a combination of ground school, simulation and live flying sorties to maximise the effectiveness of its training programs. This integrated ecosystem addresses the limitations of legacy training with agile solutions to reduce cost, increase pilot lethality and train pilots more efficiently and faster. Training is in Canada or the customer’s country, or a combination of both.
Their Advanced Aircraft Simulation Centre (AASC) features F/A-18E, F-16C and F-35 simulators. The simulators feature high-resolution graphics on semi-domes and screens.
All simulators are networked, allowing Mixed Fighter Force training and real-time Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) from the Mission Theatre where briefings and debriefings are held.
The AASC features cutting-edge Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) software and hardware, which allows for effective, realistic, and unrestricted training to military customers from around the world.
Mixed reality (MR) is a highly effective way to train students by providing them with a high-fidelity, integrated system that accurately simulates real-world tactical scenarios.
The combination of reality and VR generates unlimited training potential and the ability to change from a 100% synthetic to a real-world environment.
MR allows true spherical awareness during training giving an immersive training experience that provides the bridge between real-work and virtual environments. It gives students a high-fidelity integrated system which accurately simulates real-world tactical scenarios in realistic detail.
ITTC also offers students real-time eye tracking which increases their situational awareness by reviewing eye tracking data to understand their habits and visual patterns.
ITTC’s proprietary courseware and learning management system provides instruction and student records with full encryption and security protocols. Knowledge transfer to students is achieved through multiple instructional modalities, including in-person instruction, high-fidelity simulation, virtual environments, collaborative exercises, self-directed learning, and facilitated sessions.
ITTC has a fleet of L-39 Albatros jets with upgraded avionics. The size of the fleet is scheduled to double by 2026.
