Canada joins Global Combat Air Programme as observer

Canada will formally join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an observer on 21 July 2026, gaining access to classified data on the sixth‑generation stealth fighter being developed by the United Kingdom, Japan and Italy. Ottawa will not provide funding or take part in contracts, but will be able to review technical specifications, operational concepts and engineering timelines.

The move comes as Canada’s planned purchase of 88 F‑35A jets is under a government review that began in March 2025, with the defence minister signalling that non‑U.S. aircraft such as Sweden’s Gripen remain under consideration. By joining GCAP as an observer, Canada can evaluate future options for its post‑2035 combat‑air capability while preserving its current budget for the F‑35 programme.