UK PM Burnham says he is open to Germany joining GCAP fighter programme - Reuters

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the United Kingdom is prepared to consider Germany’s participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a collaborative effort to develop a next‑generation fighter jet. Burnham made the remarks following a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Thursday.

During the talks, Burnham emphasized that the UK remains “open” to the prospect of Germany joining the programme, indicating a willingness to discuss the terms and conditions that would accompany any new partnership. The two leaders exchanged views on defence cooperation and the broader strategic environment in Europe.

GCAP is a trilateral partnership involving the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan, aimed at designing and producing a new fighter aircraft to replace aging fleets. The three nations have committed to sharing research, development and production responsibilities, with the goal of delivering a modern combat platform that meets their future operational requirements.

In July, Canada was welcomed as an observer to the GCAP initiative, allowing it to monitor the programme’s progress and explore potential avenues for future involvement. The observer status does not confer voting rights but provides Canada with insight into the project's development.

Burnham’s openness to German involvement comes as the UK seeks to broaden the coalition of partners supporting the fighter jet programme, potentially enhancing the project's industrial base and strategic reach. Discussions on Germany’s possible entry are expected to continue in the coming weeks.