From POLITICO · · 1m 10s
Britain opens door to Germany in fighter jet program
Prime Minister Andy Burnham signals the U.K. is willing to let Germany join the sixth-generation GCAP jet fighter project led by Britain, Italy and Japan.
In brief
Prime Minister Andy Burnham signals the U.K. is willing to let Germany join the sixth-generation GCAP jet fighter project led by Britain, Italy and Japan. Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that the U.K. is open to Germany joining the GCAP fighter jet program after Germany's…
Burnham signals openness to Germany
Prime Minister Andy Burnham told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin that Britain is open to Germany joining the sixth-generation jet fighter Global Combat Air Programme led by the U.K., Italy and Japan.
“I've indicated to the chancellor in our discussion... our openness to Germany joining GCAP.”
Germany exploring options after France deal collapsed
Germany held exploratory talks about joining GCAP after its combat aircraft plans with France fell apart earlier this year. A senior German official said Germany has not made a decision yet and is exploring all possible avenues.
“This is neither a decision nor a preliminary decision. It is a first, small step in Germany's efforts to seek, and possibly find, partnerships in this area.”
GCAP members wary of expansion timeline
The three existing GCAP members worry that adding countries could mean less work for each partner or delays to the program. Leonardo's CEO said in July that if another country wants to join, it must happen within the next twelve months.
What it means
Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that the U.K. is open to Germany joining the GCAP fighter jet program after Germany's separate aircraft plans with France fell apart.
