UK Signals Openness to Germany Joining Global Combat Air Programme

Prime Minister Andy Burnham told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin that Britain is open to Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a sixth‑generation fighter project led by the UK, Italy and Japan. Burnham said the UK would work with its partners to progress the possibility in the coming period. Berlin has been holding exploratory talks after Germany’s earlier plans with France collapsed, and a senior German official said the country is still reassessing options and has not made a decision. The GCAP has been cautious about expanding membership, but Canada is now an observer and other nations such as Saudi Arabia have been mentioned. The UK also highlighted a new partnership with Germany to counter hybrid threats from Russia, with defense ministries tasked to explore ways to broaden the collaboration.