Canada has agreed to join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a sixth-generation fighter jet initiative led by the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan, as the first official observer nation. Set to be formalized at the July 2026 Farnborough Air Show, this status grants Canadian industry access to the project's technical information without financial obligations.

Italy's Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced that additional nations can participate in the GCAP sixth-generation fighter aircraft project. The minister emphasized that expanding cost-sharing arrangements would alleviate the project's financial burden.

The United Kingdom has launched a $1 billion procurement process with the United States for critical submarine warfare systems and advanced electronic components under AUKUS.

The United Kingdom has joined the European LEAP initiative despite delays to its Defence Investment Plan. A lightweight, low-cost air defence weapon is planned by 2027 to counter drones and missile threats.