LONDON: Canada has officially joined as the first observer nation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a collaborative effort by the U.K., Italy, and Japan to build a sixth-generation stealth fighter jet by 2035.
The Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, told CBC News that Canada can now participate in classified discussions to explore its potential involvement in the project. She expressed confidence that Canada could eventually become a full partner and procure these advanced aircraft in the future.
However, Defence Minister David McGuinty emphasized that Canada is taking a “step-by-step” approach and has not yet made a firm commitment to purchasing the aircraft.
The decision to join the three-nation initiative aligns with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s broader strategy to diversify Canada’s military partnerships and reduce its defense reliance on the United States, particularly following a recent imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on select Canadian exports by the U.S. administration. The announcement was made in London by McGuinty alongside the U.K.’s Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and their Italian and Japanese counterparts, with U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham formally welcoming Canada to the program.
While Canada will not hold a decision-making role as an observer, the status grants privileged access to the program’s development and sets the stage for future cooperation.
This move comes as Ottawa continues to review whether it will proceed with acquiring a full fleet of American F-35 fighters or opt for a mixed fleet that includes Canada-assembled Swedish Saab Gripen-E jets. Minister McGuinty clarified that exploring sixth-generation aircraft technology will not replace current fifth-generation procurement plans, but rather positions Canada strategically for future air defense needs alongside NATO allies.
