Canada becomes first observer nation in UK-Italy-Japan Global Combat Air Programme

Published Jul 22, 10:12 AM UTC

Canada has become the first country to receive observer nation status in the British-Italian-Japanese Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), announced by newly appointed UK Defence Minister Wes Streeting on July 21, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow. The trinational joint venture Edgewing, comprising BAE Systems, Leonardo, and JAIEC, presented a scale model of the GCAP fighter (Tempest) at the airshow. Observer status grants Canada privileged access to capability development, industrial collaboration, and implementation plans, though without decision-making power. This move comes as Canada reviews its F-35 procurement amid strained US relations, potentially limiting its F-35 buy to 30 aircraft and seeking alternatives like the Gripen E/F. GCAP aims to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet, with a demonstrator flight expected by 2027 and service entry by 2035. Edgewing recently received a £4.6 billion contract for the advanced concept and assessment phase.

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