Story perspectives

Canada, Japan Push 2035 Fighter; Seek Saudi, German Partners

6/26/2026

Summary

McGuinty Discusses Combat Air

Defence Minister David McGuinty met Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi June 25 2026 to discuss the Global Combat Air Programme, launched in 2022 by founding members and aiming for a fighter in 2035.
Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said it would welcome partners Saudi Arabia and Germany but that expansion needs consent.
It, competing with the U.S. Generation Air Dominance programme, saw rival Combat Air System collapse after an Airbus-Dassault dispute.

Summary

Leaders Debate GCAP

Leonardo chief executive Lorenzo Mariani said German industry could boost GCAP finances but would disrupt work-share.
Air Marshal Sir Christopher Harper argued adding partners would increase programme resilience and European interoperability.
Dr David Jordan warned new members would inevitably trigger work-share disputes.
Rena Sasaki emphasized Japan’s priority is keeping GCAP schedule on track for a 2035 entry into service.
The FCAS fighter collapse has shifted European focus to GCAP as the only active sixth-generation project.

1 of 2

McGuinty Discusses Combat Air

Defence Minister David McGuinty met Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi June 25 2026 to discuss the Global Combat Air Programme, launched in 2022 by founding members and aiming for a fighter in 2035.
Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said it would welcome partners Saudi Arabia and Germany but that expansion needs consent.
It, competing with the U.S. Generation Air Dominance programme, saw rival Combat Air System collapse after an Airbus-Dassault dispute.

1 / 2