Today, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence joined his counterparts from the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan, to announce that Canada will become the first observer nation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The GCAP is a multinational partnership focused on developing a sixth-generation combat aircraft by 2035.
At a time of growing global security challenges, Canada is strengthening the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces by exploring next-generation technologies and partnerships that could support Canada's defence needs, domestic defence industry, and international commitments for decades to come. While sixth-generation air combat capabilities are still evolving, they are expected to build on the strengths of fifth-generation aircraft through enhanced stealth, advanced communications and greater interoperability. They are also anticipated to incorporate emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, crewed and uncrewed teaming, and multi-domain connectivity, enabling more integrated and effective operations across environments.
As an observer nation in the GCAP, Canada will gain valuable insight into the partnership and the opportunities to advance Canada's long-term security interests, defence relationships, interoperability objectives and economic prosperity. Observer status will enable Canada to assess potential future participation in the programme and explore opportunities for Canada's defence industry to contribute to the emerging sixth-generation air combat ecosystem. This could help foster innovation, strengthen domestic industrial capabilities, and support the development of Canadian expertise in advanced air combat technologies and manufacturing.
On July 20, Minister McGuinty visited the Farnborough International Airshow, where he joined Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly and Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon to open the Canada Pavillon.
While at Farnborough, Minister McGuinty met with his counterparts from the United Kingdom and Italy to discuss shared priorities, including strengthening defence cooperation, deepening strategic relationships, and expanding defence industrial capacity to meet evolving military requirements Minister McGuinty also met with representatives from companies involved in the GCAP, including BAE Systems, Leonardo, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and MBDA. These engagements support Canada's commitment to strengthening defence industrial cooperation and advancing the objectives of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy.
