Canada Joins Anglo-Italian-Japanese Fighter Jet Project as First “Observer Nation”

Canada will become the first “observer nation” for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a next-generation fighter jet initiative launched by Britain, Italy and Japan. The partners said Ottawa will receive privileged access to programme developments, including capability work and industrial collaboration, but without any financial commitment. Britain’s defence secretary Wes Streeting hosted his Canadian, Japanese and Italian counterparts to announce the next phase of engagement. GCAP is aimed at delivering a stealth-led fighter by 2035 under industry leadership from BAE Systems, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Leonardo.