Canada becomes the first country with observer status in the GCAP project, initiated by the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan, for the development of sixth-generation fighter jets.

Canada has been included as the first country with observer status in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a project initiated by the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan, aimed at developing the next generation of fighter aircraft.

The announcement was made by the British Ministry of Defence, which emphasizes that the purpose of including Canada is to strengthen the supply chains of medium powers. The new British Secretary of Defence, Wes Streeting, stated that his priority is to maximize deterrence capability and readiness to fight alongside allies. Although Canada will have access to information about capability development and industrial collaboration, observer status does not confer a decision-making role.

The GCAP project aims to deliver a sixth-generation aircraft that will integrate advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and uncrewed systems.

Currently, this program supports 4,500 jobs in the United Kingdom and benefits from an allocation of £8.6 billion for the next four years.