• Comprehensive Schoolhouse Training – Mesa, Arizona or in-country
• Advisors & Instructors – Worldwide support for F-16 standup and sustainment operations
• Expert Augmentation – Tailorable maintenance personnel augmentation around the world
• Phase Inspection – Deployment of highly qualified teams to inspect and repair F-16s
• Field Service Team – On-site support to new F-16 programs including heavy maintenance and engineering
F-16 Operations Training
• B-Course Training – Initial pilot qualification training in customer F-16 version
• Mission Qualification Training (MQT) – Mission qualification in customer aircraft and operational capabilities
• Flight Lead Upgrade (FLUG) – Two or four ship qualification tailored to customer requirements
• Instructor Pilot Upgrade (IPUG) – Course tailored to customer requirements
• Mobile Training Teams (MTTs) – Follow-on training such as advanced targeting pods, NVGs, weapons upgrades
Fighter Lead-In Training (FLIT)
• Phase 4 Military Flight Training, post-advanced jet training, in preparation for F-16 B-course transition
Top Aces Inc. (“Top Aces”), the global leader in advanced operational air combat training, today announced the completion of its acquisition of Select Global International (“SGI”), a Canadian defence company specializing in simulator-based fighter pilot instruction for the Royal Canadian Air Force (“RCAF”).
The transaction, which was first announced on June 11, 2026, brings together SGI’s high-fidelity synthetic training expertise with Top Aces’ more than 20 years of advanced live-fly operational training. The combined expertise ideally positions Top Aces to support the RCAF’s transition to a fifth-generation fighter capability, advancing the objectives of Canada’s Operational Training Infrastructure Enterprise Modernization (OTIEM).
Top Aces Inc. (“Top Aces”), the world's leading provider of advanced operational training for allied air forces, today announced it is leading an all-Canadian industry team with Raytheon Canada, CogSim, and Select Global International (SGI) to pursue Canada’s Operational Training Infrastructure Enterprise Modernization (OTIEM) program.
As Canada prepares to introduce fifth‑generation fighter aircraft, OTIEM represents a strategic, sovereign capability essential to modernizing the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) operational training enterprise. It will define how Canada trains, tests, and exercises fifth‑generation airpower and multi‑domain operations, while strengthening readiness, interoperability with allies, and long-term national control over this mission-critical training capability.
As team lead, Top Aces has assembled a Canadian industrial team that combines unmatched air combat training expertise, proven enterprise-scale OTI systems integration experience, and deep live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) training know-how to deliver a modernized, futureready OTIEM solution for the RCAF. Designed as a world‑class training venue, this program will also enable combined training with our allies, supporting the readiness of our key defence alliances.
A Canadian Team Built to Deliver OTIEM
- Top Aces (Prime Contractor) – Founded in Montreal by former RCAF fighter pilots, Top Aces brings operational credibility as a Canadian defence company, with over two decades of experience delivering advanced livefly adversary air (AdAir) training to the Canadian Armed Forces and allied air forces worldwide. Since 2019, Top Aces has performed over 5,000 sorties of AdAir support to allied fifth-generation fleets including the F-22 and F-35, demonstrating the operational training expertise critical for OTIEM execution.
- Raytheon Canada (Lead Technical Integrator) – For more than 70 years, Raytheon Canada has provided the Canadian Armed Forces with mission-critical, enterprise-scale program management, systems integration, and lifecycle sustainment, supported by a large, security-cleared Canadian workforce. Through its work with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Raytheon brings proven OTI implementation experience at comparable scale and complexity to OTIEM. Raytheon is an RTX business.
- SGI – A Canadian defence company specializing in simulator-based fighter pilot instruction and ground-based training delivery in support of the RCAF, staffed by veteran CF-18 instructor pilots with extensive operational and leadership experience.
- CogSim – A Canadian company delivering world-class modelling, simulation, and distributed mission training technologies, including tactical data-link simulation, LVC bridging, and cloud-based distributed training solutions for allied air forces worldwide.
Together, the Top Aces-led team brings the operational credibility, systems integration depth, and sovereign Canadian industrial capability required to deliver OTIEM at enterprise scale. The team offers a low-risk, mission-ready path to modernizing Canada’s operational training infrastructure while strengthening national control over data, intellectual property, sustainment, and long-term capability evolution in line with Canada’s defence industrial objectives.
“OTIEM is fundamentally about operational readiness and sovereignty,” said Paul Bouchard, Chief Executive Officer at Top Aces. “This team brings together the right experience, at the right scale, with the credibility that comes from having already delivered complex operational training systems for Canada and our closest allies. Together, we are ready to partner with Canada to design, deliver, and sustain a modern training capability that evolves with the threat environment and supports force generation for decades to come.”
The Top Aces-led team is prepared to begin the definition phase immediately – ensuring alignment with the RCAF’s future fleet introduction and operational training requirements.
This agreement aligns with Argentina’s acquisition of high-performance F-16 aircraft from the Kingdom of Denmark, marking a major step in the modernization of the nation’s air combat capability. As the aircraft are delivered, Top Aces’ training program will ensure Argentine pilots are prepared to rapidly and safely transition to frontline F-16 operations.
The pilot training program spans the full spectrum of F-16 instruction, from the Basic Course (B-course) for initial qualification, through to Mission Qualification Training, Flight Lead Upgrade, and Instructor Pilot Upgrade. The contract includes two years of comprehensive pilot training, with an option for a third-year extension.
“Top Aces is honored to be selected by the FAA to develop this advanced airpower capability,” said Steve Haase, U.S. Group President at Top Aces. “Our instructor pilots bring extensive U.S. Air Force backgrounds, each with more than 20 years of service and an average of over 2,300 flight hours in the F-16. Having built a fully operational F-16 enterprise from the ground up, Top Aces is uniquely positioned to train the next generation of Argentine combat leaders on their new and highly capable F-16 platform.”
Training will be conducted by Top Aces instructor pilots at FAA air bases using Argentina’s own F-16 aircraft. This approach ensures training is tailored to the FAA’s specific mission requirements and individual aircraft blocks. The curriculum integrates academic classroom instruction, advanced aircraft simulators, and live-fly training across multiple F-16 mission sets.
“Following Argentina’s acquisition of the F-16, Top Aces’ ability to rapidly deliver high-quality, in-country training was a key factor in this award,” added Patrick “Mongo” McClelland, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program Manager at Top Aces. “By deploying our experienced instructors directly to Argentina, we provide seamless training from basic through instructor levels – optimizing student proficiency and progression to efficiently deliver a cost-effective, operationally-relevant solution that directly supports Argentina’s national defense objectives.”
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain statements that may constitute “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws, in particular regarding the expected value and duration of the contract with the Argentine Air Force. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the management, are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
All statements in this news release speak only as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, Top Aces does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any such statements.
About Top Aces
With over 150,000 accident-free flight hours, Top Aces Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Top Aces Corp. and Blue Air Training Corp., provide advanced operational training to the world’s leading armed forces. In an industry where Experience Matters, Top Aces boasts the largest and most advanced fleet of commercially operated fighter aircraft in active service and is the world’s only commercial owner/operator of the F-16. Our mission-critical training enhances the operational readiness of combat forces by delivering real-world experience while creating significant cost efficiencies and extending the lifespan of military aircraft fleets. For more information, please visit www.topaces.us.
Follow Top Aces on Social Media:
X: https://x.com/topaces/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/top-aces/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topaces/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/topaces/
Media Contact:
Erin Black
Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Top Aces
+1 (514) 694-7224
media@topaces.us
“This contract marks a significant milestone in our long-standing partnership with the Bundeswehr,” said Thomas Beringer, Vice-President Europe, Top Aces. “We are honoured to continue supporting Germany’s operational readiness - an imperative in today’s complex global landscape - with world-class training solutions tailored to the evolving needs of its armed forces.”
Under this landmark agreement, Top Aces will provide a comprehensive suite of training capabilities designed to strengthen operational readiness across all branches of the Bundeswehr. Training will be conducted using Top Aces’ diverse fleet, featuring A-4N Skyhawk aircraft equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and highly upgraded Alpha Jets. Leveraging an open architecture design, Top Aces’ proprietary ‘Advanced Aggressor Mission System’ (AAMS) enables the A-4Ns to integrate advanced sensors, effectively replicating the threats posed by modern adversary fighter aircraft.
Didier Toussaint, Group President and Co-Founder of Top Aces, added: “We are deeply grateful for the continued trust placed in us by the German Armed Forces. This contract reflects the strength of our partnership and the consistent value our team strives to deliver. As we grow internationally, our focus remains on supporting our customers with reliable, innovative training solutions that enhance mission readiness and operational effectiveness.”
This award further solidifies Top Aces’ leadership in the global defense and aerospace sectors, highlighting its commitment to delivering cost-effective, cutting-edge solutions that enhance preparedness across NATO and allied nations. As the world’s safest commercial provider of advanced operational training, Top Aces continues to set the industry standard - offering armed forces the most sophisticated solutions available.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking and Other Statements
This news release contains certain statements that may constitute “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws, in particular regarding the expected duration of and revenue to be derived from the contract with the German Armed Forces. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Statements regarding Top Aces’ market position are based on a variety of information sources, including third-party publications and management’s beliefs. As there can be no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of such information, readers should not place undue reliance on such statements.
All statements in this news release speak only as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any such statements.
About Top Aces
With over 150,000 accident-free flight hours, Top Aces Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Top Aces Corp. and Blue Air Training Corp., provide advanced operational training to the world’s leading armed forces. In an industry where Experience Matters, Top Aces boasts the largest and most advanced fleet of commercially operated fighter aircraft in active service and is the world’s only commercial owner/operator of the F-16. Our mission-critical training enhances the operational readiness of combat forces by delivering real-world experience while creating significant cost efficiencies and extending the lifespan of military aircraft fleets. For more information, please visit www.topaces.com.
Follow Top Aces on Social Media:
X: https://x.com/topaces/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/top-aces/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topaces/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/topaces/
Media Contact:
Erin Black
Marketing Communications Manager, Top Aces
+1 (514) 694-7224
media@topaces.com
Photo: Richie Becke
“This is a very proud moment for all of us at Top Aces. What began as a small Canadian business with just a few employees has grown into a global enterprise of 600+ team members operating across three continents,” said Paul Bouchard, Co-Founder and CEO, Top Aces Inc. “This 25th anniversary milestone is a testament to our dedicated employees, past and present, for believing in the Top Aces mission and living our values of Service, Integrity, Excellence, and Together – every day. Our highly experienced military veterans take great pride in continuing to mentor and support the training of active-duty aviators, soldiers and sailors.”
Top Aces' mission has always been to deliver safe and highly professional defense training solutions, ensuring the current and future operational readiness of its customers. In an ever-changing world, military preparedness and readiness are crucial, and allied forces worldwide are recognizing the benefits of the commercial ADAIR industry for cost savings and fleet longevity. “We feel privileged for the unwavering trust and support of our customers and partners throughout this 25-year journey, and for their recognition of the value Top Aces brings to their operational training needs,” stated Didier Toussaint, Co-Founder and Group President, Top Aces Inc.
Several notable achievements have marked Top Aces' 25-year history, driving the company's remarkable growth:
In 2021, Top Aces Corp. achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first private company in the world to own and operate a fleet of F-16 fighter aircraft. Currently used to train U.S. Air Force (USAF) F-22 and F-35 pilots, Top Aces’ F-16 Advanced Aggressor Fighters (AAFs) are the most advanced and threat-representative training adversaries available on the market today.
Driven by innovation, Top Aces spent nearly a decade developing its groundbreaking, proprietary “Advanced Aggressor Mission System” (AAMS), which was successfully launched in 2021. Featuring an open architecture design, the AAMS enables Top Aces’ F-16 and A-4N aircraft to integrate cutting-edge sensors, including but not limited to Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Infrared Search and Track (IRST), Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (HMCS), and advanced datalinks, effectively replicating the threats posed by modern adversary fighter aircraft. The AAMS provides a pathway for continuous improvement, allowing customers to constantly evolve their training threat, including the integration of ongoing advancements in Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) elements and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
In 2022, Top Aces expanded its service offering with the acquisition of U.S.-based Blue Air Training, the recognized global expert in full-spectrum CAS training for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) and Joint Fires Observers (JFO). The partnership created a market leader in the provision of ADAIR and CAS training, benefiting military customers worldwide.
Looking ahead, Top Aces' vision is to be the most trusted provider of innovative defense training solutions, continuously elevating standards in an industry where Experience Matters. “As we celebrate this significant milestone, we look forward to continuing our mission of delivering best-in-class training solutions, ensuring our NATO and allied militaries are always prepared for the challenges that lie ahead,” continued Bouchard.
About Top Aces
With over 140,000 accident-free flight hours, Top Aces Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Top Aces Corp. and Blue Air Training Corp., provide advanced ADAIR services and CAS training to the world’s leading armed forces. In an industry where Experience Matters, Top Aces boasts the largest fleet of commercially operated fighter aircraft in active service and is the world’s only commercial owner/operator of the F-16. Top Aces’ mission-critical training enhances the operational readiness of combat forces by delivering real-world experience while creating significant cost efficiencies and extending the lifespan of military aircraft fleets. For more information, please visit www.topaces.com.
Media Contact:
Erin Black
Marketing Communications Manager, Top Aces
+1 (514) 694-7224
media@topaces.com
Top Aces provides advanced combat training to the armed forces of NATO member nations and their allies. With an industry leading safety record of more than 160,000 accident free flight hours, Top Aces operates the world’s largest fleet of commercially-owned tactical fighter aircraft, including the only privately operated F 16s. Built on an uncompromising commitment to safety, credibility, and operational realism, Top Aces delivers mission critical, live and synthetic blended training informed by real world experience – preparing allied forces to operate against advanced, near peer threats in an increasingly complex and contested environment. Experience Matters.
Learn more at www.topaces.com.
Add Attachment
You've reached your free preview limit
Create an account to continue exploring
Currently viewing: Zaden Technologies, Inc.
Preview limit reached
Continue exploring
You've reached your free preview limit
Unlock full access
Continue Exploring
Continue Exploring
Create an account to find in-depth information on thousands of companies, people and products in your industry
- Find the right companies and products ... fast
- Bookmark events, companies, people and products you are interested in
- Message company representatives directly
- Plan ahead for upcoming shows you are attending
Already have an account? Sign in
Free to use · No spam · Built for professionals