Japanese Media: Canada Joins Japan, the UK, and Italy's Next-Generation Fighter Jet Project
According to a report by Reference News on July 24, Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun reported on July 22 that Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Canada announced on the 21st that Canada will join the next-generation fighter jet development project—Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)—as an observer, initiated jointly by Japan, the UK, and Italy. This marks the first time a country has participated in the project as an observer.
According to reports, the defense ministers of the four countries held talks in London on the 21st. Japan's Minister of Defense Nobuo Kishi and the newly appointed UK Secretary of State for Defense Grant Shapps participated in the discussions.
A joint statement released after the talks indicated that Canada's participation marks a "new phase" for GCAP. The statement also clarified that as an observer, "Canada will be able to access more professional information regarding GCAP," and the three countries will provide it with specific information about the next-generation fighter's performance and the modes of corporate participation.
Subsequently, Canada will formally assess the feasibility of procuring the next-generation fighter based on this information. Currently, it has not been determined whether Canada will directly participate in the development and manufacturing of the fighter jet, and the observer status will not incur any related costs.
Reports indicate that the next-generation fighter is characterized not only by its high stealth capabilities but also by an artificial intelligence-based operating system and the ability to operate in coordination with drones. Japan plans to use it as a successor to the Air Self-Defense Force's F-2 fighter, with formal deployment expected to begin in 2035.
Canada joined the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an observer on July 21 during a meeting in London with Japan, the UK, and Italy. This marks the first instance of a country participating in the project in this capacity, allowing Canada to access detailed information about the next-generation fighter jet's capabilities. Japan plans to deploy this aircraft by 2035 as a successor to the F-2 fighter.
- Canada joins the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an observer.
- The announcement was made on July 21 during a meeting in London.
- This is the first time a country has joined the project as an observer.
- Canada will receive information on the next-generation fighter's capabilities and participation models.
- The next-generation fighter is expected to be deployed by Japan in 2035.