Canada is seeking to eventually become a full member of the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), the multinational initiative of Japan, Britain and Italy to develop a next-generation fighter jet expected to enter service in 2035.
Canadian Ambassador to Japan Ian McKay said Ottawa’s newly established observer status marks an important step toward deeper participation in the program.
“The ultimate objective is to become a full member,” McKay said in an interview with Jiji Press.
Canada agreed with Japan, Britain and Italy in July to participate as an observer, giving Ottawa an opportunity to study the project and determine what capabilities it could contribute.
McKay said the arrangement would allow Canada to assess “what specific technologies we can bring to such a large-scale project.”
He also stressed the need for the participating nations to determine how they can “cooperate and build the best technology possible.”
Among the areas where Canada could potentially contribute are aircraft systems, mission control, radar and satellite-related technologies.
Canada’s interest in GCAP comes as Ottawa and Tokyo work to broaden their overall strategic relationship. In March, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi agreed in Tokyo to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
McKay described Japan as “an extraordinarily important partner” and pointed to energy security as one area where the two countries could expand cooperation, particularly because Japan depends heavily on imported fossil fuels.
“We’re happy to be that reliable supplier,” he said.
The ambassador also cited critical minerals as another potential area for closer cooperation, including resources used in electric vehicle batteries.
“We are very focused on the development of mineral supply chains with Japan,” McKay said.
Under the leaders’ agreement to create a bilateral Economic Security Dialogue, officials at the vice minister level are expected to meet in Ottawa later this year. A Canadian Embassy spokesperson in Tokyo said the talks are expected to address supply-chain resilience and other economic security matters.
Cybersecurity is also expected to remain part of the bilateral agenda. McKay described increasing cyber threats as “a real issue” and said Canada and Japan have already cooperated for years “at the highest levels to share best practices on cyber defense technologies.” The two countries also maintain commercial cooperation in addressing cybersecurity challenges.
McKay further highlighted Canada’s broad energy and natural-resource base, including oil, natural gas, propane, renewable energy, hydropower and critical minerals.
“Canada is very lucky that we have enormous energy resources,” he said.
He added that Japan could offer capital, technology, supply-chain expertise and defense cooperation as the two countries pursue joint opportunities.
“We’re very excited to partner with Japan, who can bring, in some cases, capital, technology, supply chain expertise and defense security partnership,” McKay said, pointing to artificial intelligence and quantum computing as additional fields for collaboration.
Canada and Japan are also preparing for the 100th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2028. McKay, who described himself as a “strong believer in people-to-people exchanges,” said he hopes the milestone will encourage greater interaction between citizens of both countries through activities planned for 2028 and 2029.