The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) has solidified a major, long-term partnership with Canadian defense firm Top Aces, awarding a new 10-year contract valued at up to €420 million. Announced on January 19, 2026, the agreement extends a trusted collaboration that will now run until 2035, focusing on delivering critical advanced air combat training.
A Decade of Trusted Partnership Renewed
This landmark contract, officially named "Contracted Fast Adversary Air" (Vertrag Schnelle Flugzieldarstellung), builds directly on a decade of existing service. It is designed to provide mission-essential operational training across all branches of the German military—the Air Force, Army, and Navy. The deal underscores the Bundeswehr's confidence in Top Aces' capabilities to prepare its forces for modern aerial threats.
Thomas Beringer, Vice-President Europe for Top Aces, who represented the company at the signing, stated that the contract is a significant milestone. He emphasized the company's honour in continuing to support Germany's operational readiness, which he called an imperative in today's complex global security environment.
Cutting-Edge Training with Advanced Technology
Under the new agreement, Top Aces will deploy a comprehensive suite of training capabilities utilizing its diverse aircraft fleet. The training will prominently feature A-4N Skyhawk aircraft equipped with advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, alongside highly upgraded Alpha Jets.
The core of this high-fidelity training lies in Top Aces' proprietary Advanced Aggressor Mission System (AAMS). This system, built on an open architecture design, allows the A-4Ns to integrate sophisticated sensors. This technology enables the aircraft to accurately replicate the capabilities and threat profiles of modern adversary fighter aircraft, providing German pilots with the most realistic training possible.
Solidifying Global Leadership in Defense Training
Didier Toussaint, Group President and Co-Founder of Top Aces, expressed deep gratitude for the continued trust from the German Armed Forces. He noted that the contract reflects the strength of the partnership and the consistent value his team delivers. As Top Aces expands internationally, its focus remains on providing reliable, innovative solutions that enhance mission readiness and operational effectiveness for allied nations.
This contract award cements Top Aces' position as a global leader in the defense and aerospace training sector. The company, which bills itself as the world's safest commercial provider of advanced operational training, is noted for delivering cost-effective, cutting-edge solutions that bolster preparedness across NATO and allied forces. The deal highlights the growing reliance of national militaries on specialized private contractors to provide top-tier, realistic combat training that is often more efficient than using front-line military assets.
