Key facts
- Germany is considering joining the GCAP fighter jet program.
- The program is led by Japan, Italy, and Britain.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz made the statement during a visit to Tokyo.
- A rival Franco-German initiative collapsed earlier this year.
- Germany and Japan defense ministers will meet soon to discuss the matter.
Germany is examining whether it could play a role in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) fighter jet program, led by Japan, Italy, and Britain, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in Tokyo on Wednesday. The discussions come after a rival Franco-German initiative collapsed earlier this year. Merz raised the prospect as part of a broader push to deepen cooperation with Japan on defense, critical raw materials, and future technologies during a week-long trip to Asia. The defense ministers of Germany and Japan will meet soon to discuss the matter, Merz told reporters. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan would promote defense industry cooperation where capabilities were mutually complementary. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham had previously stated the UK was open to German participation in the program. Merz cautioned that Berlin might not be able to meet Japan's hoped-for timeline of reaching a decision by the start of next year.