Canada Weighing on Joining Global Combat Air Program with UK, Japan and Italy
CANADA – Canada is weighing on joining the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a trilateral initiative led by Japan, the UK and Italy aimed at developing a sixth-generation combat aircraft, according to the Defense Minister David McGuinty on Monday.
The program traces its roots to Britain’s earlier Tempest project, originally conceived as a successor to the Eurofighter Typhoon.
No final decision has been reached, the minister stressed.
The development comes as the Carney government continues to reassess its agreement to purchase 88 F-35 jets from American defense contractor Lockheed Martin.
The review was launched last year following trade tensions with the US, including tariffs and annexation threats under President Donald Trump.
McGuinty previously said that only 16 jets have been formally acquired, with further purchases still under consideration.
