MILAN — Canada is expected to officially join the British-Italian-Japanese Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) as an observer, according to multiple reports, in a move that marks a strategic effort to bolster European defense ties while Ottawa assesses its long-term fighter jet alternatives.
Politico first reported the news on Wednesday, citing anonymous sources, stating that the agreement will be announced on July 21 in London, where country officials are expected to meet as the Farnborough International Airshow takes place.
According to the Politico report, as an observer, Ottawa would not actively participate in the various contracts for the next-generation fighter program, but could gain access to the project’s sensitive information, and it may contribute flight-simulation training technology.
A UK government spokesperson did not confirm the development but told Breaking Defense that the country, alongside its program partners, remains “open to others joining GCAP while keeping it on track and delivering future military capabilities.” Representatives for Canada and other governments involved in the program did not respond as of press time or declined to comment on the matter.
Last month, Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty spoke publicly for the first time about Ottawa’s interest in the sixth-generation fighter jet program. At a meeting with his Japanese counterpart in Tokyo, he said the country was “interested in learning more about” the project and called it a “promising initiative.”
