Canada snubs Trump as it joins Britain’s fighter jet programme in fresh blow to US defence industry
CANADA gave President Trump the bird as it joined Britain’s future fighter jet programme yesterday.
Ottawa was officially welcomed into the Global Combat Air Programme as “the first observer nation” alongside founders Japan and Italy.
The deal paves the way for the Canadian Air Force to buy future GCAP jets instead of US aircraft.
Canada’s defence minister David McGuinty said the move proved allies were “stronger together”.
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The UK MoD said: “Canada will gain direct insight into GCAP, including capability development, industrial collaboration and long-term delivery plans.”
It added: “The move gives them privileged access to the programme and paves the way for discussions on Canada’s future participation.”
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Ottawa had planned to replace its ageing F-18 Hornet fleet with US-made F-35s.
But the order with Lockheed Martin was slashed from 88 jets to just 16 and Ottawa is considering buying Swedish Gripen E fighters instead.
It follows Trump’s threats to conquer Canada and batter it with tariffs and sanctions.
Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed to stop spending 70 per cent of his defence budget in America as “old alliances” had been ruptured.
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McGuinty insisted the GCAP deal would go ahead “regardless” of ongoing disputes with America.
Speaking in London said: “This isn’t about leverage. The message is, we are stronger together.”
He said trade disputes were “hurting Americans”.
And he said the GCAP deal would give his armed forces a “deeper understanding of sixth-generation combat aircraft”.