OTTAWA — Canada has become the first country to gain observer status in a next-generation fighter jet program run by the U.K.

A “loyal wingman” system would allow pilots to control uncrewed drones paired with crewed warplanes in combat.

The F-22 Raptor jet fighter may eventually get replaced by the F-35A Lightning II, but that won't be for quite some time. After already investing $67.3 billion into developing the F-22, the United ...