Burnham says UK is open to Germany joining GCAP fighter effort with Italy, Japan

On October 8, 2026, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the United Kingdom’s willingness to consider Germany's participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) fighter effort. This openness follows discussions involving Italy and Japan as key partners within the collaborative initiative. Burnham stated that the UK recognizes the potential benefits of a broader coalition for future air combat capabilities. The goal is to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft while ensuring interoperability across participating nations. Negotiations are currently underway to determine the specific terms and conditions of any German involvement in GCAP.