A Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) core vehicle concept on display at DSEI, London (Breaking Defense)
FARNBOROUGH — Should Canada decide to join the international Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an observer, it should be seen as a “smart play” for the future that will not impact nearer-term next-gen fighter buys, Defence Minister David McGuinty said today.
“This is an important moment for Canada as an observer, if and when there is a decision on that front,” McGuinty told reporters on the sidelines of the Farnborough Air Show here. However, he said, GCAP and an ongoing review of more immediate plans to purchase scores of F-35 fighter jets are “separate” considerations.
“There are many initiatives in which we are participating in research and development, which is a smart play for our future,” McGuinty said.
Ahead of the show, several media outlets reported that Canada was expected to announce it is joining the British-Italian-Japanese next-gen fighter program as an observer, though Canadian officials have yet to confirm the move on the record. (A formal announcement is widely expected to come Tuesday.)
