Minister McGuinty concludes United Kingdom visit focused on strengthening defence cooperation

July 21, 2026 – London, United Kingdom – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence joined his counterparts from the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan, to announce that Canada will become the first observer nation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The GCAP is a multinational partnership focused on developing a sixth-generation combat aircraft by 2035.

At a time of growing global security challenges, Canada is strengthening the capabilities of

the Canadian Armed Forces by exploring next-generation technologies and partnerships that could support Canada’s defence needs, domestic defence industry, and international commitments for decades to come. While sixth-generation air combat capabilities are still evolving, they are expected to build on the strengths of fifth-generation aircraft through enhanced stealth, advanced communications and greater interoperability. They are also anticipated to incorporate emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, crewed and uncrewed teaming, and multi-domain connectivity, enabling more integrated and effective operations across environments.

As an observer nation in the GCAP, Canada will gain valuable insight into the partnership and the opportunities to advance Canada’s long-term security interests, defence relationships, interoperability objectives and economic prosperity. Observer status will enable Canada to assess potential future participation in the programme and explore opportunities for Canada’s defence industry to contribute to the emerging sixth-generation air combat ecosystem. This could help foster innovation, strengthen domestic industrial capabilities, and support the development of Canadian expertise in advanced air combat technologies and manufacturing. 

On July 20, Minister McGuinty visited the Farnborough International Airshow, where he joined Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly, Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon and the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), to open the Canada Pavillon. 

While at Farnborough, Minister McGuinty met with his counterparts from the United Kingdom and Italy to discuss shared priorities, including strengthening defence cooperation, deepening strategic relationships, and expanding defence industrial capacity to meet evolving military requirements  Minister McGuinty also met with representatives from companies involved in the GCAP, including BAE Systems, Leonardo, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and MBDA. These engagements support Canada’s commitment to strengthening defence industrial cooperation and advancing the objectives of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy. 

Quotes

“Canada recognizes that keeping the Canadian Armed Forces strong requires continuous innovation and deeper collaboration with trusted Allies. Observer status in the Global Combat Air Programme will strengthen Canada's understanding of next-generation capabilities while advancing the partnerships, industrial capacity and expertise needed to safeguard our sovereignty and contribute to our collective security.”

The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

• Canada’s interest in emerging sixth generation technologies reflects the Royal Canadian Air Force’s need to operate effectively in a future security environment characterized by longer ranges, more sophisticated sensors, and rapidly evolving threats. 

• The Farnborough International Airshow is one of the world's leading aerospace and defence exhibitions. It serves as a global showcase for aviation innovation and provides a premier venue for engagement among government, military and industry leaders from more than 100 countries.

• In December 2022, the leaders of the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan announced the establishment of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a trilateral partnership focused on developing a sixth-generation combat aircraft.

• In December 2024, BAE Systems of the United Kingdom, Leonardo of Italy and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan established Edgewing, a tri-national joint venture that serves as the prime contractor and design authority for the GCAP.

• In April 2026, the GCAP partner nations awarded the programme’s first contract to Edgewing. Valued at approximately £686 million (approximately $1.2 billion CAD), the contract supports key design and engineering activities and advances the programme’s pace of delivery.

• In July 2026, Edgewing was awarded a second contract valued at £4.6 billion (approximately $7.4 billion CAD) to complete the GCAP’s advanced concept and assessment phase. The 18-month contract will further advance the design and development of the next-generation air combat platform.