UK to invite Canada to join next-generation fighter jet programme as observer

Britain's new government is set to invite Canada to join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an observer, marking the first expansion of the next-generation fighter jet project beyond its founding members of the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan.

The announcement coincides with the Farnborough International Airshow, where defence has taken centre stage amid rising military spending driven by the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, Reuters reports.

There will be no financial commitment associated with Canada's observer status, although Ottawa could later become a full participant, sharing development costs and potentially purchasing the aircraft.

The move comes on the first day in office for Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government. Defence stocks, including BAE Systems and Babcock, rose after investors anticipated higher defence spending.

This year's Farnborough Airshow features a record 1,600 exhibitors, with defence companies accounting for about half of participants, showcasing technologies ranging from unmanned combat aircraft and hypersonic missiles to spy satellites and artificial intelligence-enabled weapons systems.

By Sabina Mammadli