A concept design for the Global Combat Air Programme sixth-generation fighter jet is displayed at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 in London in October, 2024.Mari Yamaguchi/The Associated Press
Canada will announce next week it is taking an observer role in the Global Combat Air Programme, a joint initiative by Britain, Japan and Italy to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft, according to a senior Canadian government official.
Joining the program, even as an observer, is part of Canada’s efforts to diversify its defence ties and economic relations beyond the United States.
The official said Defence Minister David McGuinty on Tuesday will announce – alongside his British, Japanese and Italian counterparts – that Canada is the first country to be admitted as an observer to the Global Combat Air Programme.
It could also be a prelude to one day purchasing the sixth-generation aircraft produced by Britain, Japan and Italy or participating more fully in the program, the official said.
The Globe and Mail is not identifying the official because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
The Defence Minister’s office declined to comment on announcement plans for next week, but Mr. McGuinty’s director of communications, Alice Hansen, acknowledged GCAP participation would be beneficial for Canada’s defence industry.
“GCAP would create opportunity for businesses from across Canada to get in at the early stage of an important capability,” Ms. Hansen said in a statement.
Right now, the Carney government is still mulling whether to proceed with Canada’s full order of fifth-generation F-35 fighters from U.S. defence contractor Lockheed Martin or scale back its purchase and buy a different aircraft, such as Sweden’s Saab fighter. Ottawa’s pause on the F-35 order appears tied to the pending renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement on free trade.
A shift away from American aircraft for sixth-generation fighters would further reduce Canada’s reliance on its southern neighbour for defence at a time when the U.S. is seen as a less dependable partner than in the past. Experts have raised concerns that a hostile White House could withhold crucial spare parts or software updates for U.S.-made fighters.