Germany’s possible entry into the Global Combat Air Programme will be discussed soon by German and Japanese defense ministers, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said during his Japan visit, Reuters reported.
Japan, Italy and Britain are the program’s existing partners. Merz said they have made substantial progress in assigning industrial responsibilities, while Germany continues to assess its options. The review follows the collapse earlier this year of a separate fighter initiative between France and Germany, Reuters reported.
Merz linked the assessment to a broader effort to deepen ties with Japan on defense, critical raw materials and future technologies. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi spoke generally about strengthening cooperation between the countries’ defense industries during their joint appearance, without naming GCAP, Reuters reported.
Japan hopes a decision on Germany’s possible participation will be reached by the start of next year. Merz cautioned that Berlin may not meet that timetable. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said earlier this month that the United Kingdom was open to Germany joining the program. The GCAP partners aim to bring the aircraft into service in 2035, Reuters reported.
EconoTimes previously reported on possible Airbus and BAE Systems talks about Airbus joining GCAP, citing the Financial Times. That account described prospective discussions, not an agreement.
