Canada joins next-generation fighter jet programme

Canada has joined the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) – a project seen as vital for the future of thousands of Lancashire defence jobs – as its first observer nation.

GCAP is a joint initiative between the UK, Japan and Italy to develop the sixth-generation Tempest aircraft.

While Canada will not have any decision-making role, the move gives them privileged access to the development of the programme.

In a meeting in London today, the defence ministers of the UK, Italy and Japan, including newly appointed Wes Streeting, welcomed Canada’s participation as an observer in the programme.

In a statement, the UK Government said the announcement marked an ‘important step’ in strengthening cooperation among ‘trusted, like-minded partners’ through the programme.
Observer status will provide Canada with enhanced insight into GCAP and an opportunity to deepen its understanding of the programme’s governance, capabilities and industrial framework, as well as the related security requirements and wider partnering opportunities.

For Italy, Japan and the UK, Canada’s involvement will also support greater alignment of strategic priorities and deepen mutual understanding of future combat air ambitions,
Earlier this month the government announced its commitment to the sixth-generation fighter jet programme.

The outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced its £15billion investment plan to fund key equipment and technology yesterday.

One of the highlights was that the UK would be investing £8.6bn ⁠into the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) programme in the next four years.

The Government’s commitment to the £24bn sixth-generation stealth jet project was welcome news for Lancashire’s defence sector.

There are 4,500 workers across defence giants BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and Leonardo currently working on the project in Britain, many of them in the county. A lot of the early work has been taking place at BAE Systems’ plants at Warton and Samlesbury.

The design of the UK’s flagship Combat Air Flying Demonstrator (CAFD) – a crucial part of the project - was unveiled last summer and it is now in final assembly in Lancashire.
The demonstrator is expected to fly by the end of 2027 with the GCAP programme targeting a 2035 entry into service.

It was also announced in the Defence Investment Plan that a £1.1bn package of new investment was being created to upgrade the Typhoon force into 2040s.

BAE Systems employs more than 10,000 people at its sites in Warton and Samlesbury and the Eurofighter Typhoon is manufactured in Samlesbury with engineer and flight testing undertaken at Warton.

Simon Barnes, group managing director BAE Systems Air, said: “We welcome the publication of the UK Government’s Defence Investment Plan and the clarity it provides for our people, supply chain and partners.

“Continued investment in onshore skills and advanced technologies across crewed and uncrewed combat air systems is essential to preserving the specialist expertise required for national defence in an increasingly uncertain world.

“The commitment to upgrade Typhoon aircraft and investment in the Global Combat Air Programme; a vital long-term partnership between the UK, Italy and Japan, will support significant economic growth across the UK, including here in the North West.

“Our people are proud to play their part in supporting the Royal Air Force and its allies; strengthening our national security, and creating a positive impact on or communities, supply chains, and the economy.”