UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham used his first full day in office to reaffirm the government’s support for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and announce that Canada will join the initiative as an observer nation.

In a video message recorded for attendees at the Farnborough International Airshow, Burnham said his government would work with industry to “reindustrialise” the UK and create jobs by collaborating with businesses across the aerospace and defence sectors.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham outlines aerospace vision at Farnborough: watch video online

He said the civil aerospace and defence industries combined are expected to support half a million jobs by 2030, underlining their importance to the UK’s industrial strategy.

Burnham also highlighted the significance of GCAP, describing it as one of the world’s most ambitious defence and industrial partnerships.

“GCAP is already one of the world’s most ambitious defence and industrial partnerships, supporting 4,500 jobs across the UK,” he said. “Today’s announcement makes it even stronger. It’s a sign of things to come.”

The Global Combat Air Programme is a UK-led partnership with Italy and Japan to develop a sixth-generation combat aircraft, with entry into service targeted for 2035. Canada’s participation as an observer marks the latest expansion of the programme.