Canada Joins International Sixth-Generation Fighter Jet Project as Observer

Canada has officially joined the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) as an observer, a multinational initiative led by Japan, Italy, and the United Kingdom to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet. Announced on Tuesday, Canada's observer status grants it access to information about the aircraft's capabilities and the option to deepen its involvement in the future, without current commitments to purchase or funding. The project aims to deliver an operational fighter jet by around 2035 and is considered one of the most ambitious global defense programs, positioned as a competitor to similar American efforts.

GCAP was launched in 2022 to create an advanced aerial system integrating a manned fighter with artificial intelligence, sophisticated sensors, data sharing, and cyber warfare capabilities. Canada, which primarily operates American aircraft including recent acquisitions of the F-35 stealth fighter, views its participation as a strategic move to diversify its defense partnerships beyond reliance on the United States.

The U.S. counterpart to GCAP is the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, intended to replace the F-22 with a sixth-generation stealth fighter supported by unmanned systems and AI-enhanced data sharing. In March 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense announced the program's advancement under the F-47 designation, awarding Boeing the development contract.

Regarding Israel, there are currently no official indications of its involvement in similar future projects. The Israeli Ministry of Defense has stated that its focus remains on upgrading the "Adir" fighter jets, based on the F-35, including extending their operational range through domestically developed fuel systems.