Canada is set to participate in an international initiative to develop the next generation of stealth fighter jets, as revealed by sources within the Canadian government. Defence Minister David McGuinty is anticipated to make the announcement during his upcoming visit to the United Kingdom. Canada has secured an agreement to join the Global Combat Air Program as an “observer,” joining the U.K., Japan, and Italy in the multibillion-dollar endeavor to create the sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035.
Retired lieutenant-general Christopher Coates, a former top commander at NORAD, emphasized the importance of Canada’s involvement in the program to prevent falling behind technologically. The decision to engage in this initiative is not intended to replace the potential purchase of 88 F-35s from the U.S., which is currently under review by the Canadian government. Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, is currently in the U.K. for meetings with counterparts from the partner nations.
McGuinty is also scheduled to attend the Farnborough International Airshow in the U.K. next week, where a signing ceremony with the partner countries is expected to formalize Canada’s observer status in the program. Joining as an observer is seen as a strategic move by Canada to access advanced technology early on, with potential for future collaborations. While this step does not entail financial commitments, it signifies a strategic partnership for Canada to enhance its technological capabilities.
The initiative is likened to a “first date” by defense expert Trevor Taylor, signifying the cautious approach taken by all parties involved. The program aims to maintain interoperability with the U.S.’s sixth-generation fighter, the F-47, and has garnered interest from various stakeholders, including the U.S. ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, who has been advocating for Canada to proceed with the purchase of F-35s. The move to join the program is seen as a positive step towards enhancing Canada’s defense capabilities in collaboration with its allies.