Canada becomes first observer to British-Italian-Japanese GCAP fighter jet project
Ottawa gains front-row insight into the next-gen combat jet as it seeks to diversify ties amid Washington tensions
Canada has been given a front-row seat to a British-Italian-Japanese effort to develop a sixth-generation fighter aircraft, allowing Ottawa to diversify its defence partnerships as the US and China vie for an edge in future air power.
It marks the first expansion of the programme – which aims to develop a next-generation combat aircraft by 2035 – beyond its three founding members since GCAP was launched in December 2022.
The arrangement, which is designed to help Ottawa determine its potential future participation, grants Canada “enhanced insight” into GCAP’s governance, capabilities, industrial framework and security requirements without conferring a decision-making role, according to a joint statement.
The status allows Canada to assess the programme’s various elements – from the core aircraft and uncrewed systems to the industrial supply chain – before deciding whether to pursue deeper involvement.