Key facts
- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the UK is open to Germany joining the GCAP fighter jet program.
- GCAP is a partnership between the UK, Italy, and Japan.
- Burnham indicated this openness after meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Thursday.
- Speculation about Germany joining GCAP has grown following the collapse of a rival Franco-German fighter program in June.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that the United Kingdom is open to Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a collaborative effort with Italy and Japan to develop a new fighter jet. Burnham conveyed this openness during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Thursday.
Mounting speculation about Germany's potential inclusion in GCAP has emerged following the collapse of a competing Franco-German fighter program in June. Burnham indicated that progressing Germany's participation is something the UK seeks to work on with its existing partners, Italy and Japan, in the coming period.
Canada signed up as an observer in July, potentially paving the way for deeper engagement in future, and Saudi Arabia has also been mentioned as a potential interested party. Germany is considered a suitable partner due to its growing military budget and existing collaboration on the Eurofighter Typhoon with the UK and Italy. Adding Germany could help share the cost burden for the UK, though Japan may need convincing. Italy has also expressed openness to new partners to share costs.