A visit by the head of Switzerland's Federal Office for Defence Procurement (Armasuisse) to Japan has prompted speculation that the two countries could be exploring cooperation related to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Defense Mirror suggested the meetings could be linked to the sixth-generation fighter project, although neither Switzerland nor Japan has indicated that was the purpose of the visit.
The official Swiss statement, however, did not mention the GCAP.
During the visit, Loher met officials from Japan's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) and toured its Future Capabilities Development Center (FCDC), which conducts research on advanced defense technologies, including electronic warfare, communications, sensors and future combat systems.
He also visited several Japanese companies, including Mitsubishi Electric, Blue Innovation, AirKamuy and Solafune.
The timing of the trip coincided with Mitsubishi Electric's announcement that it will build three facilities dedicated to producing electronic systems for the GCAP fighter, further fueling speculation about a possible link between the visit and the multinational program.
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August 05, 2026
Even if Switzerland were interested in some level of participation, any role would likely differ from that of the three partner nations developing the aircraft. Canada, for example, recently joined the program only as an observer.
Switzerland has already selected the Lockheed Martin F-35A to replace its fleet of Boeing F/A-18C/D Hornets. After the program's cost increased by about $1.6 billion, however, the Swiss government decided to keep spending within the CHF 6 billion budget approved by voters, meaning fewer aircraft may ultimately be acquired than originally planned despite the country's long-term requirement for a larger fighter fleet.
Defense acquisitions in Switzerland are frequently scrutinized through referendums and parliamentary debate, making major military programs particularly sensitive when budgets exceed original projections or their scope changes.
