Canada has joined the Global Combat Air Programme as an observer nation, Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed alongside his UK, Italian and Japanese counterparts in London.
Observer status grants privileged access
The move gives Canada privileged access to the scheme informally dubbed Tempest, a pact among the UK, Italy and Japan to build a new sixth-generation fighter jet equipped with AI and next-generation sensors. Observer status means Canada will not have a decision-making role but paves the way for a closer contribution in the future.
Western nations are seeking to maintain air superiority over threats from rival powers like Russia and China. The partnership aligns with Canada's ongoing efforts to modernize the Royal Canadian Air Force and deepen industrial ties with key allies.
UK Defence Secretary emphasizes deterrence
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said his focus is on maximizing deterrence and ensuring readiness to fight and win alongside allies. He stressed reindustrialisation, building domestic production capacity, and pushing the frontier of defence innovation.
Asked whether tax rises might fund extra defence spending, Streeting did not directly reply. He said social justice and boosting national security could go hand in hand, and described new Chancellor John Healey as a firm friend of defence in the Treasury.
The UK faces calls from NATO to hike military commitments to 3.5 percent of economic output by 2035. Healey, a former defence secretary, has insisted Britain will honour its promises to international allies.