Tokyo, Sept. 20 (Jiji Press)–Canada has decided to join the Global Combat Air Program, a joint initiative by Japan, Britain and Italy to develop a next-generation fighter jet, becoming the program’s first observer. Canada is weighing the future purchase of the aircraft, while the three partner countries are seeking to broaden potential export markets and strengthen cooperation among like-minded nations. Other countries are also believed to be interested in GCAP, raising the prospect of wider participation in the coming years. Access to Classified Information Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting and Canadian National Defense Minister David McGuinty met in London in July and announced Canada’s participation as an observer. In a joint statement, the four ministers said the announcement “marks an important step in strengthening cooperation among trusted, like-minded partners through the program.” Observers will neither participate directly in the joint development process nor contribute financially to the program. Although subject to confidentiality requirements, they will be granted access to information on such matters as the fighter’s capabilities and the corporate framework underpinning its development. Canada’s observer status is intended to pave the way for the possible future purchase of the aircraft. For Japan, Britain and Italy, expanding exports to third countries would help offset the program’s enormous development costs. Rival Project Collapses Separately, Germany and France had been working with Spain on a rival fighter development project known as the Future Combat Air System. The main component of program was canceled in June, however, amid disagreements between German and French companies over project control and the direction of the joint development effort. “The disappearance of our biggest rival provides a tailwind,” a senior Japanese Defense Ministry official said after the collapse of FCAS, noting that more countries may now express interest in GCAP. Some observers believe that Germany has shown interest in GCAP following setbacks in its own joint project, prompting speculation about future negotiations with Japan. Saudi Arabia has also reportedly been considering participation. Expanding participation in the development program could strengthen cooperation among like-minded countries. At the same time, however, it could make coordination more complex and increase the risk of delays. Deployment Eyed for 2035 Japan, Britain and Italy announced GCAP in 2022, and they established the GCAP International Government Organization, or GIGO, an intergovernmental body responsible for overseeing the development project, in 2024. The next-generation fighter will be designed and manufactured by Edgewing, a joint venture owned in equal shares by Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co., Britain’s BAE Systems and Italy’s Leonardo SpA. The program aims to develop a sixth-generation fighter equipped with advanced stealth technology, state-of-the-art radar and sophisticated networked combat systems that will enable it to operate in coordination with unmanned aircraft. The aircraft will replace the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s F-2 fighter fleet. The first aircraft is scheduled to enter service in 2035, when the F-2 is due to start retiring. “Any delay would leave a gap in Japan’s defenses. We must meet the deadline at all costs,” a senior ministry official said. Regarding GCAP, Koizumi emphasized that Japan “will work with Britain and Italy to improve the program,” signaling that Japan is open to cooperation with countries beyond Canada. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
