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In Japan, Canadian defense minister expresses interest in GCAP sixth
Breaking Defense • • world
Key Points:
- Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty expressed Ottawa's interest in learning more about the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) during a meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in Tokyo.
- GCAP is a multinational initiative involving Italy, Japan, and the UK to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet, combat drones, and advanced data-sharing capabilities.
- Canada is considering joining GCAP as an observer, which would grant access to program information and potentially lead to deeper involvement as a development partner.
- This interest comes as Canada contemplates a split purchase of Lockheed Martin F-35 and Saab Gripen fighters, reflecting a broader strategy to diversify its defense procurement sources.
- The GCAP program now stands as Europe’s primary next-generation fighter effort after the collapse of the French-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System project.
