Canada to join Japan-Italy-U.K. fighter project as first observer nation

Canada will join Japan, Britain and Italy’s Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) as an observer, the four countries’ defense ministers announced Tuesday,marking the advanced fighter jet program’s first expansion beyond the three founding members.

Meeting in London, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Italian defense chief Guido Crosetto, British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting and Canadian Minister of National Defense David McGuinty “welcomed the opportunities arising from this important development,” they said in a joint statement. 

“This announcement marks an important step in strengthening cooperation among trusted, like-minded partners through the Program,” it added.