Global Combat Air Programme gains Canada observer status, expands to include Germany

At the Farnborough Airshow on 21 July, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom welcomed Canada as an observer to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a joint effort to develop a next‑generation fighter aircraft. A joint declaration signed by Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto, Japanese defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi, British defence secretary Wes Streeting and Canadian defence minister David McGuinty confirmed Ottawa’s participation, giving Canada insight into the programme’s governance, capabilities and industrial framework, though without decision‑making power.

The GCAP, which will produce a sixth‑generation fighter known in Britain as Tempest and slated to enter service by 2035, also attracted interest from Germany. Airbus Defence and Space CEO Michael Schoellhorn reported that Germany is evaluating a possible entry, seeking a proportional industrial and decision‑making role, following the country’s recent exit from the Franco‑German‑Spanish FCAS project. The partnership, under a £4.6 billion contract awarded to the Edgewing joint venture (BAE Systems, Leonardo and the Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Company), aims to replace Eurofighter Typhoon fleets, provide sovereign capability and integrate advanced sensor‑fusion and “loyal wingmen” drones.