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- Open this photo in gallery: A concept model of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)'s fighter jet is displayed at the DSEI Japan defense show at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan in March, 2023.
A concept model of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)'s fighter jet is displayed at the DSEI Japan defense show at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan in March, 2023.KIM KYUNG-HOON
Canada is talking to Britain, Japan and Italy about obtaining observer status in their joint program to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft.
Ottawa is sending letters to all three countries formally requesting this, a senior Canadian government official said.
The Globe is not identifying the source because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
Joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), even as an observer, is part of Canada’s efforts to diversify its defence ties and economic relations beyond the United States, the Canadian official said.
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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, they said.
Right now, the Canadian government is still mulling whether to proceed with its full order of fifth-generation F-35 fighters from U. S. defence contractor Lockheed Martin or scale back its purchase from 88 to 16 and buy a different aircraft such as Sweden’s Saab fighter. This pause appears to be tied to the pending renegotiation of the United States Mexico Canada Agreement with Washington.
Andrea Charron, director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at the University of Manitoba, said it’s essential for Canada to prepare for the next generation of fighters, noting Ottawa first became involved in the F-35 project as far back as 1997.
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She said this could not only enable Canada to eventually buy the GCAP jet but also offer Canadian defence contractors an opportunity to supply parts or services to the project.
More to come.
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