Canada mulls fighter jet alternatives amid souring US relations: Report

Canada is exploring a potential observer role in an international next-generation fighter jet development program, Defense Minister David McGuinty confirmed Monday.

Speaking before a Senate committee, McGuinty said Ottawa is weighing whether to join the Global Combat Air Program, a trilateral initiative led by Japan, the UK and Italy aimed at developing a sixth-generation combat aircraft, according to a report by The Canadian Press.

The program traces its roots to Britain's earlier Tempest project, originally conceived as a successor to the Eurofighter Typhoon.

No final decision has been reached, the minister stressed.

The development comes as the Carney government continues to reassess its agreement to purchase 88 F-35 jets from American defense contractor Lockheed Martin.

The review was launched last year following trade tensions with the US, including tariffs and annexation threats under President Donald Trump.

McGuinty previously said that only 16 jets have been formally acquired, with further purchases still under consideration.