British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was open to Germany joining the next-generation fighter jet program led by the UK, Italy in Japan.
Burnham expressed his desire for German participation in the Global Combat Air Programme during a meeting Thursday with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The British premier was making his first official trip to Berlin, in part to ratify a cooperation treaty agreed last year under Burnham’s predecessor, former Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
GCAP is a multinational initiative aimed at producing a sixth-generation aircraft, with contracts worth billions already awarded. It is expected to produce a jet in the early 2030s. Canada joined in July as an observer to the program.
“I’ve indicated to the chancellor in our discussion, prior to this ratification, our openness to Germany joining GCAP,” Burnham said. “And that is something that we seek to progress in the coming period, working with our other partners, Italy and Japan, in relation to that, as well.”
Germany and France earlier this year halted a rival joint fighter-jet project, the Future Combat Air System initiative, after failing to overcome persistent cross-border disagreements and multiple delays. Europe is under increased pressure to consolidate its fighter-jet capabilities amid threats from Russia and doubts about American commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization under US President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, the GCAP project has inched ahead. The UK, Italy and Japan recently finalized a £4.6 billion ($6.1 billion) contract with Edgewing — a joint venture involving BAE Systems, Leonardo SpA and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. — to advance the next stage of the GCAP aircraft’s design.
Discussions about Germany joining GCAP were still in a very early stage and no decisions reached yet, a German official said after the meeting. Defense ministries of both countries were told by leaders to look into the possibilities of cooperation.
Burnham’s endorsement of Germany’s participation in GCAP was accompanied by announcements on UK-Germany cooperation in a number of areas, including on countering hybrid attacks and interference in democratic processes.
Britain’s prime minister also emphasized his commitment to bringing the UK closer to Europe, ahead of a planned summit later this year. The visit comes days after Burnham announces plans to start a national debate on the UK’s relationship with Brussels, including potentially rejoining the EU.
“We will look to see if we can turn the the summit into a good outcome for the EU, but also for the UK as well,” he said.