The International Test Pilots School’s Tactical Training Centre is relocating to North Bay’s Jack Garland Airport.
It’s thanks to a $1.5M investment from FedNor.
Officials say the funds will help the school renovate and equip a 21,000 sq ft hangar dedicated to delivering its Fighter Lead-In Training – an advanced tactical training solution for NATO and allied military pilots preparing to operate next-generation fighter jets.
FedNor says the move will create about 60 full-time jobs, all while strengthening the economy and further positioning North Bay as a defence and aerospace training hub.
As part of the announcement, Gravenhurst’s SKADI (SKAW-dee) Cyber Defense Corporation is also getting $1.2M to help develop and commercialize its Frostbow AI Cyber Defense System, which officials say is designed to protect IT networks and infrastructure.
“We appreciate the support of FedNor and the Government of Canada,” said Dave Lohse, The International Test Pilots School CEO. “This investment is an important step in (the training centre’s) relocation to North Bay and in building a sovereign Canadian tactical aviation training capability. North Bay’s airspace, aviation infrastructure and military heritage give us the right operating environment to prepare pilots for modern operations. It will strengthen Canada’s capacity to support NATO and allied readiness while creating highly skilled aerospace and defence jobs in Northern Ontario.”
