Canada joins next-generation fighter jet programme as first observer nation

• Canada becomes the first Observer Nation of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), founded by the UK,Italyand Japan.
• GCAPis designing,developingand buildingthe next generationof fighterjettosupportnationalsecurity.
• Ambitiousprogrammesupportsthousands of jobs inthe UK, withover 600companies up and down the country involved.

One of the world's most ambitious defence and industrial partnershipsisevenstrongeras the UK,Italyand Japan welcome Canadatothe Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) asthefirst Observer Nation. 

GCAPwilldeliver a next generation combataircraft,designed tofight,winand keep the UK fit to face the future.

GCAP is part of the UK's future combat air systemwhich already supports 4,500 jobs in the UK, with thousands more expected to be supported.Over 600 organisations up and down the UK are in the supply chain, creating skilled jobs and apprenticeships and driving growth in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors. 

Canada will gain direct insight into GCAP, including capability development, industrialcollaborationand long-term delivery plans through structured engagement with partner nations. 

WhileCanadawon'thave adecision-makingrole,the movegives themprivilegedaccess to theprogrammeandpaves the way for discussions on Canada's future participation and contribution to GCAP. 

The announcement was made as Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP hosted his Japanese, Italian and Canadian counterparts-Shinjir Koizumi, Guido Crosetto, and David McGuintyon his first day in post atWellington Barracks in London.

Prime Minister, Andy Burnham said:

"As I said on the steps of Downing Street, we are going to honour our commitments on defence and use that investment to transform people's lives.

"And we are going to work even more closely with our allies.

"So today, we are not just recommitting to our state-of-the-art GCAP fighter programme but I am delighted to announce that Canada will join the programme as the first Observer Nation.

"GCAP is already one of the world's most ambitious defence and industrial partnerships supporting 4,500 jobs across the UK. Today's announcement makes it even stronger."

DefenceSecretary Wes Streeting MP said: 

"The first duty of any government is to keep our country safe. That's why I'm pushing this programme forward on my very first day in the job. GCAP continues to strengthen our security, drive technological innovation and create highly skilled jobs across the UK. 

We are proud to welcome Canada to this new phase of engagement and look forward to sharing expertise andworking on technological advancesas we continue to deliver this groundbreaking programme." 

Involvement in GCAPwill furtherstrengthen the UK's defence cooperation with Canada, building on decades of close collaboration asFive Eyesmembersand NATOAllies. 

GCAPwill deliver a sixth-generationaircraft, designed tooperatealongsidecapabilities including the F-35. It willuseadvanced autonomy, AI, uncrewedsystemsand next-generation sensors tomaintainair superiority againsteverevolving threats. 

This announcement comesalongside an investment of £8.6 billion intoGCAP over four yearsas part of the Defence Investment Plan.  

Earlier this month,theUK,Italyand Japanfinaliseda £4.6 billion contract withEdgewing-theindustry joint venturetoadvance the next stage of the aircraft's design byestablishingits key requirements and rigorous testing. 

The work strengthens the UK's sovereign industrial base, securing skilled good manufacturing jobs, and industries in Italy and Japan. 

GCAP brings together the industrial and technological strengths of all three nations, driving innovation and skills across key areas such as digital engineering, advanced propulsion,sensorsand data systems, delivering a highly capable future combat air system. 

Since itsinception, GCAP has been founded on the principle that international collaboration delivers significant benefits, demonstratinghow trusted partners can work together to enhance interoperability, strengthensecurityand deliver a world-leading future combat air capability. 

Canada's Observer statusrepresentsa significant step inGCAPasan open,scalableand internationally relevant partnership, designed to meet thethreatsof the future. 

ENDS

Quadrilateral Joint Statement on Canada becoming an Observer to GCAP

On July 21, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Japanese Defense Minister KOIZUMI Shinjir, UK Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting, and Canadian Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty met in London to discuss Canada's participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The Ministers of Italy, Japan and the UK welcomed Canada's participation as an Observer, and all four Ministers welcomed the opportunities arising from this important development. This announcement marks an important step in strengthening cooperation among trusted, like-minded partners through the Programme.

Observer status will provide Canada with enhanced insight into GCAP and an opportunity to deepen its understanding of the Programme's governance, capabilities and industrial framework, as well as the related security requirements and wider partnering opportunities.

For Italy, Japan and the UK, Canada's involvement will also support greater alignment of strategic priorities and deepen mutual understanding of future combat air ambitions, thereby strengthening global security.

Since the Programme's inception, GCAP has been founded on the principle that international collaboration delivers significant benefits. In a complex global security environment, Italy, Japan, and the UK have remained committed to engaging with trusted allies and partners to strengthen the Programme and maximise its long-term strategic impact.

As they begin this new phase of the Programme, the Ministers of Italy, Japan, and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to openness, collaboration with like-minded partners, and the delivery of a next-generation combat aircraft capable of meeting future security challenges.