Canada has joined the UK-Italy-Japan Global Combat Air Programme as an observer nation, gaining privileged access to the sixth-generation Tempest fighter jet project while UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting vowed to make the British military ready to fight and win wars.
Canada gains observer status in GCAP
Speaking in London alongside counterparts from Italy, Japan and Canada, the Defence Secretary said: "My focus is on maximising our deterrence and ensuring that, should deterrence fail, we're ready to fight and win alongside allies.
That means reindustrialisation and building back up our production capacity, so we can give our armed forces the kit they need, as well as building and buying British, so that we deliver good jobs in communities in every part of our country.
It also means pushing the frontier of defence innovation, exactly as we are doing today, and it means keeping our people at the heart of defence."
Canada's observer status means it will not have a decision-making role but will have privileged access to the scheme. This gives Canadian industry potential access to advanced defence technology and supply chains. The move signals deeper defence integration between Canada and its European and Indo-Pacific allies. Canada's observer status could evolve into full partnership, similar to how other nations have entered major defence programmes.
Informally dubbed Tempest, the new jets will be equipped with technology including AI and next generation sensors, as western nations seek to maintain air superiority over threats from rival powers like Russia and China.
Streeting pledges war readiness
Asked if he was hinting at tax hikes to pay for increased defence spending, Mr Streeting did not directly reply, and spoke about how social justice and boosting Britain's national security could "go hand in hand".
He added: "As to future fiscal events, it's for the Chancellor to make announcements on those matters but I certainly feel like we've got a firm friend in His Majesty's Treasury."
John Healey, the new Chancellor and a former defence secretary, has insisted Britain will honour its promises to international allies. Mr Streeting described the new Chancellor as a "firm friend" of defence, when asked how Andy Burnham's new Government plans to boost military spending.
The UK faces calls from NATO to hike its military commitments to 3.5% of the economy's output by 2035.