Canada joins Global Combat Air Programme as observer

Canada has become the first country to join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an observer, paying no entry fee. The move allows the federal government to assess the operational, industrial and economic benefits of the next‑generation jet fighter program and to explore long‑term collaboration opportunities for its aerospace sector.

Defence Minister David McGuinty said Canada needs to “see where the puck is going” as military technology advances, and highlighted the importance of early engagement. National Defence spokesperson Cheryl Forrest noted that Canada’s specialised defence industry is well positioned to contribute to the programme and that early involvement could help shape development, secure investment and ensure meaningful participation over the life of the project. An observer arrangement is being drafted, while a separate political review of the country’s F‑35 procurement continues.

The review, launched amid the U.S. trade‑war era, examines the cost‑effectiveness of the F‑35 fleet and issues such as sovereign control of drones, with the Auditor General reporting roughly $1 billion spent on the Joint Strike Fighter program since 1997.