Canada has reached a deal to join the Global Combat Air Program as an “observer,” Canadian government sources said.

The U.K., Japan and Italy are all partners in the multibillion-dollar program to develop and build the sixth-generation fighter jet by 2035.

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The official described getting observer status as a “first step” in the program that would open the door to classified talks about what Canada could bring to the table.

The Canadian government isn’t making any financial or policy commitments by becoming an observer, but considers it a key partnership to be able to upscale Canadian technology, the official said.