Recent drama between the United States and Canada has caused the Royal Canadian Airforce (RCAF) to reevaluate the F-35 Lightning II fighter jets that it had ordered. Without the F-35 however, Canada will need a replacement that can fulfil more or less the same roll.
One such option is the joint sixth-generation fighter project between Japan, the UK, and Italy; the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This fighter would plug the gap left by the F-35 and fulfil the modernization requirements that the RCAF need. The question remains; is the GCAP really what Canada needs, and will the fighter be ready in time?
What is GCAP?
The GCAP was officially announced on December 9, 2022, when the governments of Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy decided to merge their separate sixth-generation fighter projects into a single, unified effort. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths and expertise of each country to develop a highly advanced multirole combat aircraft. The program is expected to begin formal development in 2025, with a demonstrator aircraft scheduled to fly by 2027 and production aircraft entering service by 2035.
The primary objectives of the GCAP are to develop a sixth-generation fighter with advanced stealth capabilities, artificial intelligence, and enhanced sensor integration. By collaborating on this project, the UK, Japan, and Italy aim to deepen their strategic defense relationships and ensure long-term security cooperation. The GCAP is intended to drive advancements in aerospace technology, benefiting not only the defense sector but also civilian industries. Additionally, the program is expected to create significant economic opportunities, including job creation and technological development in the participating countries.
The GCAP fighter, known as the “Tempest” in the UK, is envisioned to be one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft. It will incorporate advanced stealth technology to reduce its radar cross-section and enhance survivability in contested environments. According to reports, AI will play a crucial role in the fighter’s operations, providing capabilities such as autonomous decision-making, threat detection, and mission planning.
The aircraft will feature a sophisticated sensor suite, including next-generation radar and electro-optical systems, to provide comprehensive situational awareness. Designed to operate seamlessly with allied forces, the fighter will ensure effective collaboration in joint operations. Additionally, the Tempest will supposedly be equipped with cutting-edge weapons, including directed energy weapons and hypersonic missiles.
Is GCAP the Right Option for Canada?
Thanks to geopolitical tensions between the US and Canada, Canada has shown renewed interest in joining the GCAP.
In April this year, both Australia and Canada expressed interest in the project. Canada’s decision to consider the GCAP has largely been driven by faltering geopolitical relations between Canada and the US.
The Trump administration’s decision to impose tariffs on Canadian imports and public remarks suggesting annexation through economic means have raised concerns about national sovereignty and the reliability of the U.S. as a defense partner. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has launched a review of the country’s commitment to purchase 88 F-35 fighters and is exploring alternatives, including the GCAP.
There are a number of advantages for joining the GCAP initiative. The program would allow Canada to reduce its dependency on U.S. military equipment and strengthen its defense ties with other allies. This move aligns with Canada’s recent strategy to diversify its defense partnerships and enhance its modernize its severely aged air force. The GCAP would also provide capabilities on par with, if not greater than the F-35s, making it a vital asset to the RCAF.
The GCAP offers significant economic benefits to Canada’s defense sector as well. By participating in the program, Canada would leverage the expertise and resources of the UK, Japan, and Italy to develop this highly advanced combat aircraft.
This collaboration would also provide opportunities for Canadian industries to contribute to the development and production of the fighter, fostering economic growth and technological advancement. Canada would gain experience and expertise in aerospace engineering and use said experience to develop its own future fighters.
The GCAP is also Canada’s chance to finally replace it’s aged CF-18 fleet. The sixth-generation fighter developed under the GCAP will feature cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, advanced sensors, and stealth capabilities. These innovations align with Canada’s defense priorities and would significantly enhance the capabilities of the Royal Canadian Air Force. By joining the GCAP, Canada could access a fighter that provides more than the F-35 ever could.
Will GCAP Be Ready Soon Enough?
Additionally, participating in the GCAP would strengthen Canada’s defense partnerships with the UK, Japan, and Italy, promoting stability and security between all parties involved. This collaboration would also enhance interoperability between the Canadian Armed Forces and allied forces, ensuring effective joint operations in future conflicts.
In short, the GCAP would help increase Canada’s autonomy, improve its economy, modernize its air force, and increase geopolitical alliances. The GCAP certainly has its advantages, but is this enough?
The Problem with the GCAP is that the project is not set to be ready for production until 2035, assuming there are no delays. While this would not be a problem for countries like the US with a fully modernized air force, Canada is in a different situation.
The RCAF has been trying to modernize its fighter fleet for decades at this point. Canada needs an immediate short-term plan that will keep the RCAF combat ready in immediate future, while it develops and acquires GCAP jets. While the GCAP would solve the RCAF’s issues in the future, it won’t solve Canada’s immediate troubles.
A CF-18 Hornet fighter jet soars through the clouds over Iraq before commencing the next mission during Operation IMPACT on January 23, 2015.
About the Author:
Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
