UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Thursday the United Kingdom is open to Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme, a sixth-generation fighter jet initiative led by Britain, Italy and Japan.
Speaking in Berlin during his first official visit to Germany since taking office, Burnham told a joint news conference with Chancellor Friedrich Merz that he had “indicated to the Chancellor our openness to Germany joining GCAP.” He added that the UK would “seek to progress” the matter “in the coming period, working with our other partners, Italy and Japan” .
The announcement follows the collapse of a Franco-German fighter jet programme earlier this year, which had left Berlin exploring alternative partnerships. A senior German official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Germany was at a “very early stage” of reassessing its options and had not yet made a decision, but noted Merz’s preference for a European solution over acting alone .
Canada became an observer nation in GCAP in July, and other potential members, including Saudi Arabia, have been discussed. However, existing partners have expressed caution about expanding membership, citing concerns over workload distribution and potential delays .
