New Delhi, July 22 -- LONDON - Canada became the first observer nation of the Global Combat Air Programme on Tuesday, joining the British-Italian-Japanese fighter development project at a ceremonial announcement that was also the first act of the United Kingdom's new Defence Secretary, Wes Streeting, on his opening day in office.

The announcement was made at Wellington Barracks in London, with Streeting and Canadian officials present. Observer status gives Canada access to GCAP's capability development plans, industrial collaboration frameworks and long-term delivery schedules, but carries no decision-making authority. As the UK government announced, the step paves the way for future discussions about Canada's potential deeper participat...