The RCAF's Next Generation Fighter (CF-188 Replacement)

[Altair]

https://www.reuters.com/world/canadian-defence-minister-says-he-discussed-gcap-fighter-with-japanese-2026-06-25/

Canadian defence minister says he discussed GCAP fighter with Japanese counterpart​

Any Canadian involvement would mark GCAP's first expansion beyond its three founding members. Speculation has grown that additional countries could join the programme, with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto saying this month he would welcome partners willing to share development costs.

Officials in Rome and executives at Leonardo have ⁠floated Canada, Saudi Arabia and Germany as potential future partners or observers. Any expansion of GCAP would require the agreement of its three founding members.

Seems like they are making it seem like the industrial component is already set.

Canada probably wont like that, Germany wouldn't tolerate it.

If true, Airbus SAAB collaboration sounds a lot more likely.