Canada defence minister says he discussed GCAP fighter development programme with Japan counterpart

Leonardo SpA

25/06/2026 02:08

TOKYO, June 25 (Reuters) - Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty said on Thursday that he discussed the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) fighter development programme with Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi. 
Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo, McGuinty said that whether the GCAP is extended to other nations would be a decision for Japan, Italy and the United Kingdom.
GCAP is ​an effort to build a next-generation fighter by a ​joint venture of Britain's BAE Systems (BAES.L),, Italy's Leonardo (LDOF.MI), ⁠and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement (JAIEC), which is backed by ​Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (7011.T).Partners are planning to build the new ​jet by 2035.

(Reporting by Tim Kelly, Writing by Chang-Ran Kim)
((ran.kim@thomsonreuters.com))