Key facts
- Canada has joined the UK, Japan, and Italy's Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an observer.
- The program aims to develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter by 2035.
- Canada will receive confidential program information, potentially leading to future purchases.
- Defense ministers from the four nations announced the agreement in London.
- The move is expected to strengthen defense cooperation and global security.
Canada is set to join the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy in their next-generation fighter jet program, the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), as an observer. The announcement was made following a meeting of defense ministers from the four nations in London.
Under the agreement, Canada will not be directly involved in the development process but will receive confidential information regarding the program's progress. This observer status is seen as a potential precursor to future Canadian participation and procurement of the aircraft. The UK government stated that Canada's involvement would provide "direct insight" into industrial collaboration and long-term delivery plans.
The GCAP, launched in 2022, aims to develop a supersonic sixth-generation stealth fighter by 2035, intended to replace existing aircraft like the Eurofighter Typhoon. The program recently received a significant boost with an allocation of 4.6 billion pounds ($6.2 billion) for continued development. Britain has pledged a substantial 8.6 billion pounds ($11.5 billion) over the next decade as part of its defense investment plan.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham highlighted Canada's inclusion as strengthening the program, while Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro described Ottawa's participation as "monumental" and expected it to enhance the joint development effort. Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty called the milestone an opportunity to "deepen its understanding of next-generation combat air capabilities."