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A new model of the GCAP fighter on display at the Farnborough Airshow.
FARNBOROUGH, England—Canada has formally joined the Global Combat Air Program as an observer.
“This is an important milestone for Canada,” Defense Minister David McGuinty said July 21 during a visit to London.
Canada is the first country to become an observer of the British-Italian-Japanese effort to develop a sixth-generation fighter due to enter service around 2035. A new model of the aircraft is on display at the Farnborough Airshow as its trinational prime contractor Edgewing works on production sites.
“Observer status will give Canada the opportunity to deepen its understanding of next generation combat air capabilities, strengthen our industrial collaboration and contribute more closely to the partnerships that will define the future of air power,” a joint statement issued by the four countries stated.
The announcement was the first to be made by new UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting, who was handed the job on July 20 by Prime Minister Andy Burnham as he also took on his new role.
“Canada will gain direct insight and privileged access into GCAP including capability development industrial collaboration and long-term delivery plans,” Streeting said. “GCAP means air superiority, our nation needs it and this government is backing it.”
Streeting said the partner nations were looking forward to “sharing expertise and working on technological advances” in support of the program. McGuinty said Canada’s aerospace and defense industry was ready to help meet that challenge.
Under the observer arrangement, Canada will not have a decision-making role, but the status gives them “privileged access to the program,” and paves the way for future discussions on potential participation and contribution. Canada’s interest in the platform has emerged as the Carney administration considers the purchase of Saab Gripens for its near-term combat aircraft needs to augment its fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35s, partly in response to geopolitical friction with the neighboring U.S. government.
At the same time, Burnham said he was following the policy laid out by his predecessor Prime Minister Keir Starmer and was “recommitting” to GCAP.
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