Canada joins UK, Italy, and Japan's program building sixth-generation stealth fighter jets

The Canadian government has signed on as the first observer in the UK, Italy, and Japan's program to build the next generation of stealth fighter jets by 2035.

The commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force said that Canada can now take part in classified talks about what role it can play in the Global Combat Air Programme. Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet sounded confident that Canada could become a full partner later and eventually buy these jets. "I think it is very feasible to imagine a world where Canada contributes and then ultimately would employ this aircraft in the future," Speiser-Blanchet said.

Defence Minister David McGuity said the government is taking the process "step-by-step" and would not commit now to purchasing the aircraft under development. "While Canada won't have a decision-making role, the move gives them privileged access to the programme and paves the way for discussions on Canada's future participation and contribution," the UK's ministry of defence said.

The move is part of Prime Minister Mark Carney's strategy to diversify Canada's military purchases and partnerships to become less reliant on the U.S., which on Monday imposed 50 per cent tariffs on a wide range of Canadian exports. The announcement comes more than a year into Canada's review of whether it will go ahead with procuring a full fleet of American fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets or move to a mixed fleet.

China and Russia say they've already figured out how to detect fifth-generation fighter jets. Sixth-generation fighters are expected to have superior stealth technology, carry more weapons, and operate more seamlessly with crewed and uncrewed systems, including drones.