The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday edition that Canada will announce next week its observer role in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a joint initiative by Britain, Japan and Italy to develop a next-generation fighter. The Globe's Steven Chase writes that this participation aims to diversify Canada's defence ties and economic relations beyond the United States. Defence Minister David McGuinty will announce on Tuesday that Canada will join the GCAP as an observer, alongside his British, Japanese and Italian counterparts. It could also be a prelude to one day purchasing the sixth-generation aircraft produced by Britain, Japan and Italy or participating more fully in the program. The Carney government is still deciding whether to proceed with the full order of fifth-generation F-35 fighters from Lockheed Martin or to scale back and consider adding another aircraft, like Sweden's Saab fighter. Canada's move to sixth-generation fighters away from American aircraft could lessen its reliance on the U.S. for defense, especially as concerns grow about the reliability of the U.S. as a partner. Experts worry that a hostile administration might withhold essential spare parts or software updates for U.S.-made fighters.