Canada Joins Global Combat Air Program as Observer Amid Strained U.S. Relations
Canada has been approved as the first official observer of the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a collaborative effort between Italy, Japan, and the UK to develop a sixth-generation combat aircraft. This move allows Canada to gain insight into the program's capabilities and industrial collaboration without having a decision-making role. The decision comes as Canada seeks to diversify its defense partnerships amid strained relations with the U.S. and recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The GCAP aims to replace existing aircraft fleets in partner countries and is built around international collaboration. 
