By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a trilateral effort between the UK, Japan, and Italy, aims to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035. While Canada is not currently a partner, the UK government has expressed openness to future collaboration. This aligns with analysts’ suggestions, given Canada’s strong security ties with the UK and its adoption of the F-35, already utilized by GCAP members. GCAP’s advanced capabilities will replace existing fleets and foster international defense cooperation. The program is progressing with a demonstrator aircraft anticipated by 2027.
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The prospect of Canadian involvement in the UK’s new Tempest fighter jet project is exciting, and frankly, long overdue. It feels like a natural progression of closer CANZUK-style partnerships, offering significant mutual benefits. For Canada, this represents a fantastic opportunity to participate in a next-generation fighter program, potentially even mitigating the need for a full F-35 commitment.
Canada possesses a wealth of resources and expertise that could significantly enhance the Tempest project. The inclusion of both manned and unmanned platforms in the design suggests a forward-thinking approach, aligning with modern combat strategies. A Canadian contribution could provide a much-needed boost to the overall project.
This collaboration also presents a strategic move away from over-reliance on US weaponry. Recent geopolitical events have highlighted the vulnerabilities that come with such dependence, making diversification a sensible approach. While there are concerns about the feasibility of developing a sixth-generation fighter with the current partners, the argument that the UK, Japan, Canada, and Italy lack the necessary expertise is demonstrably false.
The UK, Italy, and Canada all have a history of involvement in major fighter jet programs. The UK’s significant contribution to the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F-35 programs, and Italy’s role in the F-35’s wing production, are strong examples of their capabilities. Canada’s contributions, though possibly overshadowed, extend beyond simple component manufacturing and include a significant number of subsystems for the F-35. These past successes, along with Japan’s experience in building domestic fighter jets, lay a solid foundation for collaborative development.
The potential challenges are undeniable. Navigating international partnerships and intellectual property issues can be complex and expensive. The past experience with projects like the Eurofighter Typhoon highlights the difficulties of managing multiple national interests and industrial priorities. However, the potential rewards justify the effort. The Tempest, when complete, could very well become a global competitor.
Furthermore, the choice of the Tempest program isn’t necessarily mutually exclusive with other potential collaborations. While some might advocate for prioritizing involvement in the FCAS program with France and Germany, the reality is that both projects might serve different strategic needs. This isn’t about choosing a single “best” option; rather, participating in multiple ventures offers redundancy and strategic depth. The possibility of a Tempest-FCAS convergence, at least in terms of shared technologies and learnings, shouldn’t be discounted.
Concerns about the long development time for a sixth-generation fighter are valid. However, even a phased approach of procuring interim F-35s while simultaneously working on the Tempest could be a sound strategy. This would allow for bridging the gap while investing in a more long-term solution that aligns with the broader strategic goals of the participating nations.
The narrative that this project is doomed to fail, echoing similar sentiments about previous failures like the Avro Arrow, is overly pessimistic. The Avro Arrow’s demise was largely attributed to external factors, primarily US pressure, and internal political factors that severely impacted the Canadian aeronautics industry. But the Tempest project benefits from different circumstances, with stronger and more resilient international partnerships and a more stable global climate (although still inherently volatile). While challenges will exist, the participating nations have the experience and determination to overcome the hurdles.
Ultimately, the UK’s openness to Canadian participation in the Tempest project is a significant development with substantial long-term benefits for all involved. It signifies a shift toward stronger international collaborations in the defense sector, reducing reliance on single-source suppliers and fostering greater self-sufficiency. While concerns about costs, timelines, and technological challenges are valid, the strategic advantages and potential long-term gains are compelling arguments for proceeding with this initiative. The result could be a groundbreaking new fighter jet that will shape the future of air combat.