Canada to Join GCAP Sixth Gen Fighter program as Observer

Canada is likely to participate as an observer in the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) program, a sixth-generation fighter jet project run by the UK, Italy, and Japan.

With this status, Ottawa will have access to sensitive program information but will not assume any financial obligations nor will have any say in program management.

Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty will attend a signing ceremony with the defence ministers of the UK, Italy, and Japan later this month in Rome.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto had stated on June 24 that GCAP was open to new participants and that Canada was the closest country to joining the program as an observer.

Crosetto also stated that Germany and Saudi Arabia could also join the program, but did not specify when their participation would be concertized.

Canada will not move away from its order for F-35 jets but is looking at the GCAP at a future acquisition possibility.

Germany, which has recently announced its divorce from France in FCAS program may bring in a lot of technical inputs via Airbus’ work so far in the FCAS.

The industrial component of the program is being managed by the Edgewing joint venture, established by BAE Systems , Italian Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co., a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The three partner countries have signed a £4.6 billion development contract with Edgewing . The UK has allocated £8.6 billion for the GCAP over the next four years. The new fighter jet is targeted to enter service by 2035.