Joining GCAP would not impact current-gen fighter decision: Canadian defense minister

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.)

Speaking at the opening of the Canada pavilion at the event, McGuinty confirmed that Canada was “asked” to consider becoming an observer state in the sixth-generation fighter program, saying Canada was the only state to whom such a request was extended.

The review of current capabilites revolves around Canada’s previously planned F-35 purchase. Although Ottawa has confirmed an initial order for 16 F-35s from plane-maker Lockheed Martin, it has been reassessing over the last few months its decision to acquire an additional 72 aircraft and has left the door open to a mixed fleet, including a potential purchase of Saab-made Gripen aircraft.

McGuinty said that the F-35 buy is still under review and will remain so “until we take the time to get it right for Canadians.” He added that a key factor they are accounting for in this fighter review is NORAD, which he says is currently working well for Canada.

Canada and US relations have been tested in the past year by an economic rift and a tense geopolitical showdown with American President Donald Trump, who has said Canada should become the US’s 51st state.

Still, McGuinty said that, “On the security and intelligence front, from our perspective, there is really little daylight [between Canada-US relations] — we continue working and sharing together, and that will not stop in my view.”

With its interest in GCAP, Ottawa appears to be looking to the United Kingdom, which McGuinty referred to as “another credible middle-power,” as yet another European partner to diversify its military ties. Under the Carney government, the country is pursuing a middle-power diplomatic approach to build partnerships with like-minded countries without relying solely on Washington — a strategy recenty lambasted by a senior Pentagon official.

The defense minister was accompanied by three other Canadian officials at the show, including Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly and Secretary of State for Defense Procurement Stephen Fuhr. The country recorded its largest presence at the show with over 150 companies participating.  

Both McGuinty and Joly are expected to hold separate meetings with Lockheed Martin and Saab during this week’s airshow, to continue discussions on the company’s respective fighters.