Ottawa decided to look at a new fighter jet program without paying a fee, says National Defence.

Canada is the first country to join the Global Combat Air Program as an observer. The program is a joint project between Italy, Japan, and the U.K.

If Canada joins the program fully, it will have to use some resources. But for now, being an observer does not cost anything.

The cost to join the program is not clear yet. It will depend on future talks with the countries making the jet.

This is normal. Ottawa once paid hundreds of millions to join the F-35 fighter jet program.

National Defence says being an observer will help the government understand the program better.

As an observer, Canada wants to see if it can work with other countries on the project and use new technology.

Canada's aerospace sector can help with the project. Joining early could create opportunities for Canadian companies.

Canada is looking at these opportunities to see how they fit with its defence needs and relationships with allies.

Defence Minister David McGuinty says the government needs to know what is coming next in military technology.

McGuinty said Canada joined the program as an observer to be part of the latest research.

The department is making a plan for how Canada will be involved as an observer.

Canada still plans to buy a full fleet of F-35 stealth fighters, but this is under review.

The review started over a year ago because of a trade war with the U.S.

Canada spent about $1 billion on the F-35 program before buying any jets.

Each F-35 jet has $3.6 million in Canadian-made parts.

The F-35 review is also looking at issues with drones that fly with the jets.

The review is considering how the F-35 program will affect Canada's economy and industry.

Canada is investing in its own aerospace and drone technology.

Canada has committed to buying 16 F-35 jets out of a planned 88.

Aerospace companies are working together in case Canada decides to buy a mix of fighter jets.

The government has not said what it will decide about the F-35 review.

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