OTTAWA — Canada is widely expected to enter into a multinational next-generation fighter jet program this week, though not as a full member.

International news media have reported for months that Ottawa is poised to sign onto a program to make a sixth-generation fighter with the U.K., Japan and Italy.

Canada is eyeing observer status, which means getting access to inside information on the Global Combat Air Program before Ottawa decides on anything.

Several Canadian cabinet ministers are attending the biennial Farnborough Air Show in the U.K. this week, and an announcement could happen on Tuesday.

Defence Minister David McGuinty’s office did not respond to requests for comment.

But on a trip to Japan last month, McGuinty told reporters in Tokyo that Canada is “anxious to learn more about” the fighter program and that he raised it when he met with Japan’s defence minister.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 19, 2026.

Canadian Press Staff, The Canadian Press