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Canada to join multinational fighter program in observer role: reports
Ottawa would gain early access to fighter program details without an immediate funding commitment, while its F-35 purchase remains under review.
- On Tuesday, Canada is expected to join the Global Combat Air Programme as an observer at the Farnborough Airshow, granting Ottawa access to internal program information without immediate financial commitment.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney's lengthy review of Canada's F-35 fighter jet order prompted this strategic pivot, as Ottawa seeks to diversify defense spending beyond the United States.
- Jointly owned by the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan, the Global Combat Air Programme recently secured a $6.19 billion contract and targets 2035 for in-service deployment of its sixth-generation stealth fighter.
- Defence Minister David McGuinty called observer status a "smart play," allowing Canada to "kick the tires" on the initiative and creating potential for Canadian firms to join development without full financial obligations.
- Edgewing, the joint venture behind the fighter, expects to complete its concept assessment phase by 2027, though experts say Canadian participation remains "very conceptual" pending a viable path for domestic industry involvement.
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Fighter Aircraft Developer Welcomes Other States to Join its Air War Planning
A military aviation joint venture to deliver a fighter aircraft will stay on schedule even if other nations get involved, according to its chief executive on Monday, July 20th. Under British, Italian, and Japanese direction, Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) fighter aircraft are set to be in service by 2035. Canada has now reached a deal to join the trio as an observer, involving no financial outlay, in a development expected to be confirmed on…
Breaking DefenseReposted by 
ussanews.com
ussanews.comJoining GCAP would not impact current-gen fighter decision: Canadian defense minister
David McGuinty said Canada’s planned F-35 purchase is still under review and will remain so “until we take the time to get it right for Canadians.”
·New York, United States
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Total News Sources44
Leaning Left24Leaning Right4Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 30%
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