UK open to Canadian involvement in new fighter jet project

The UK government has signalled its openness to future collaboration with Canada on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), the international effort to develop a next-generation fighter jet by 2035.

In response to a written parliamentary question from Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick, Defence Minister Maria Eagle said that while Canada is not currently a GCAP partner, the door remains open: “All three Global Combat Air Programme nations have highlighted an openness to working with other nations, while keeping us on track with the programme delivery schedule and helping us deliver future military capabilities.”

GCAP is a trilateral initiative between the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy to develop a sixth-generation combat aircraft, combining stealth, advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and next-gen weapons systems.

The programme will succeed the Eurofighter Typhoon and Japan’s F-2 fleet, and has been presented as a flagship example of defence industrial cooperation across continents.

Although not part of the initial group, Canada has been suggested by some analysts as a natural future partner due to its deep security ties with the UK and membership in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.

It also recently chose the F-35 for its next fighter aircraft, aligning it with GCAP members already operating or procuring the same jet.

The Global Combat Air Programme is a trilateral initiative launched in December 2022 by the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy to develop a sixth-generation multirole stealth fighter aircraft. It merges two previously separate projects—the UK-Italy-led Tempest and Japan’s F-X—into a single platform intended to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and Mitsubishi F-2 in their respective air forces by 2035. The collaboration aims to create a technologically advanced combat system featuring artificial intelligence, manned-unmanned teaming, and integrated sensors, with a demonstrator aircraft expected to fly by 2027.

The programme is coordinated by the GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO), headquartered in the UK, and will be jointly developed by BAE Systems, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Leonardo S.p.A., alongside a wide network of over 1,000 suppliers.

The development of GCAP represents a strategic and industrial alignment among the three partner nations, addressing national security needs while fostering innovation across aerospace sectors. The United Kingdom and Italy previously developed the Tempest concept, exploring advanced features such as directed-energy weapons, augmented reality cockpits, and biometric monitoring. Meanwhile, Japan pursued its own advanced fighter capabilities through the F-X and experimental X-2 Shinshin projects, particularly following the US decision to block F-22 exports.

The convergence of these efforts was driven by shared requirements, cost-efficiency objectives, and a mutual interest in preserving domestic defence industries. GCAP also allows for potential exports, prompting Japan to revise strict arms transfer rules to accommodate international sales in line with UK and Italian policies.

Though Sweden and Saudi Arabia have shown interest in the programme, both have faced barriers to full membership. Sweden’s eventual withdrawal from related trilateral discussions and its delayed fighter replacement timeline have cast doubt on future participation. Saudi Arabia has expressed strong interest, citing ambitions to localise defence manufacturing; however, concerns over export restrictions and technology security—especially from Japan—have complicated its potential accession. Discussions continue at the diplomatic level, with Italy and the UK more receptive to Saudi involvement.

GCAP is supported by a newly established industrial joint venture—comprising BAE, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co.—which will oversee design, production, and lifecycle support, consolidating the aircraft’s development as a long-term multinational endeavour.