Canada sul super caccia Gcap, Crosetto: ‘Risposta a Russia e Cina’ – Notizie – Ansa.it

Canada has joined the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an observer nation, according to reporting by ANSA on July 22, 2026. The decision, finalized during meetings in London, allows Ottawa to monitor the development of the next-generation fighter jet project led by the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated that the inclusion of Canada serves as a strategic response to the military capabilities and geopolitical influence of Russia and China. The GCAP project aims to replace aging fleets with a sixth-generation fighter capable of advanced stealth and integrated combat systems.

Canada’s Role as an Observer in GCAP

The observer status granted to Canada allows the North American government to engage with the technical and strategic frameworks of the program without the immediate financial and industrial commitments required of the primary partner nations. According to ANSA, this arrangement provides Canada with a window into the development of sixth-generation aviation technology.

The Global Combat Air Programme is a collaborative effort between the UK’s BAE Systems, Italy’s Leonardo, and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. These three nations are the core developers of the aircraft, which is designed to operate in highly contested environments where traditional air superiority is challenged.

Strategic Objectives and Geopolitical Drivers

Minister Crosetto linked the expansion of the project’s reach to the need for a collective Western and allied response to the rise of opposing air power. He specifically cited the activities of Russia and China as the primary drivers for accelerating the deployment of the super-fighter.

For Canada, the move aligns with its responsibilities within NATO and NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command). The Canadian Air Force is currently operating a fleet of CF-18 Hornets that are nearing the end of their operational life, creating a requirement for a modernized replacement that can integrate with allied systems in the Indo-Pacific and European theaters.

Technical Scope of the Sixth-Generation Fighter

The GCAP project differs from fifth-generation fighters, such as the F-35, by focusing on “system-of-systems” warfare. This involves the use of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) and advanced AI to support the manned aircraft, according to project documentation from the core partner nations.

Key features being developed under the GCAP framework include:

• Advanced stealth capabilities to evade modern radar systems.
• Integration of autonomous wingmen to conduct reconnaissance and strike missions.
• Enhanced data-sharing capabilities between aircraft and ground stations in real-time.
• Increased agility and speed to counter hypersonic threats.

Implications for International Defense Procurement

Canada’s entry as an observer suggests a cautious approach to procurement. By observing the GCAP’s progress, Ottawa can evaluate whether the project meets its specific operational needs before committing to a full purchase or becoming a development partner.

This move also signals a diversification of Canada’s defense dependencies. While Canada has historically relied heavily on United States military hardware, engaging with a UK-Italy-Japan consortium allows for a broader technological base and stronger ties with allies in the Pacific region.

The London meetings concluded with an agreement on the observer’s access to specific data and the frequency of diplomatic consultations between the GCAP steering committee and Canadian defense officials.