With Ottawa’s interest in the stealth fighter, Tokyo hopes the multinational project for its air force’s modernisation can regain momentum
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenJulian RyallPublished: 8:00am, 2 Apr 2026Updated: 8:04am, 2 Apr 2026Japan could get a boost in its push for a next-generation fighter jet if Canada joins a multinational consortium backing the aircraft’s development, as Tokyo aims to narrow the gap with China’s fast-modernising air force.The Canadian government said it intended to take part in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), currently involving Japan, the United Kingdom and Italy, the Asahi newspaper reported on Tuesday. Japan is planning to replace its ageing F-2 fleet with a sixth-generation stealth fighter dubbed the Tempest.According to the report, Canada is not planning to get involved in development but would consider the aircraft’s suitability for its defence needs, including for purchase.
