Commonwealth Nations Unite Against US Defense Dependence: Sixth-Gen Jet Fighter Program Gains Momentum
European allies are reconsidering their commitment to the Lockheed Martin F-35, prompting exploration of alternative sixth-generation fighter programs. Australia and Canada, facing trade tensions with the U.S. and considering alternatives to the F-35, have shown interest in joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a UK, Italy, and Japan collaborative effort. GCAP aims to field a next-generation fighter by the mid-2030s, featuring advanced technologies like AI co-pilots and potentially directed-energy weapons. Australia’s existing F-35As and both nations’ Commonwealth ties make their participation in GCAP feasible.
John Q. Hosedrinker