UK signals ‘openness’ to Germany joining GCAP fighter jet programme

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that the United Kingdom is "open" to Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Speaking in Berlin on Thursday during his first visit as Prime Minister, Burnham indicated this openness to Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The GCAP is an international coalition initially formed by the UK, Italy, and Japan with the goal of developing a sixth-generation fighter jet. This development signifies a potential expansion of the program to include Germany.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that the United Kingdom is open to Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a partnership with Italy and Japan to develop a new fighter jet. Burnham conveyed this openness to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a meeting in Berlin. This development follows speculation that GCAP might invite Germany after a rival Franco-German fighter program faltered. Canada joined GCAP as an observer nation in July. The GCAP aims to build a sixth-generation fighter jet equipped with advanced technologies like AI and next-generation sensors to maintain air superiority. Burnham's visit also included discussions on a new UK-Germany joint security partnership to address hybrid threats.