Vanguard Magazine

22 JUNE/JULY 2025 www.vanguardcanada.com A I R T R A I N I N G TOP ACES AND ITPS GEAR UP TO TRAIN PILOTS TO OPERATE 5 TH GENERATION PLANES W e had an opportunity to speak with Top Aces and ITPS at CANSEC 2025 to find out what these two Canadian compa- nies have to offer in terms of training as the Royal Canadian Air Force continues to grow its need to prepare for the new ship- ment 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 un- dertaking that presents both challenges and opportunities. "Technology and transition are key fac- tors," Toussaint noted. "Moving to the F-35 is a massive step, but we have the ex- perience to navigate it." Top Aces operates a large and advanced fleet of commercially operated tactical air- craft —over 150 jets. They use an Advanced Aggressor Mis- sion System (AAMS) which enables them to integrate cutting-edge sensors and systems. These include active electroni- cally 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 dur- ing live-fly training. Top Aces provides live-fly Adversary Air (ADAIR) and Close Air Support (CAS) training using a fleet of upgraded Das- sault/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 ap- proach reduces wear on military fleets and lowers in-house training costs. Top Aces services allow RCAF active-du- ty pilots to focus on Blue Air tactics, which means pilots can practise flying and tactics as if they are against a real enemy in train- ing 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 be- yond. Top Aces will collaborate with oth- er Canadian defence industry partners to leverage our exceptional knowledge and experience in fighter operations, deliver- ing robust and efficient solutions for Can- ada's FFCP, OTIEM, FFLIT, and FAcT programs." Didier Toussaint, Group President of Top Aces Inc., said Top Aces is prepared to play a vital role in the evolving defence landscape. B Y VA N G U A R D S TA F F Photo: Top Aces Photo: ITPS

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