British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the United Kingdom is open to Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a trilateral partnership with Italy and Japan to develop a new sixth-generation fighter jet.
Burnham made the announcement at a news conference in Berlin on Thursday, following talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
"I've indicated to the Chancellor ... our openness to Germany joining GCAP," Burnham said. "That is something that we seek to progress in the coming period, working with our other partners, Italy and Japan."
Speculation about Germany's potential inclusion in GCAP has grown since a rival Franco-German fighter jet programme collapsed in June. The GCAP partnership welcomed Canada as an "observer nation" in July.
The programme aims to produce a next-generation warplane equipped with artificial intelligence, advanced sensors and other cutting-edge technology, as Western nations seek to maintain air superiority over rival powers.
Burnham is on his first official visit to Germany since becoming Britain's prime minister in July. Alongside the GCAP discussions, the two leaders are expected to confirm a new UK-Germany joint security partnership designed to counter sabotage, cyberattacks and other hybrid threats.
"Attacks on our infrastructure, our businesses and our democracies are not a distant threat. They reach into people's homes and workplaces and they are designed to make us weaker and more divided," Burnham said in a statement ahead of the visit.
Under the agreement, the two countries will share security intelligence and cooperate to monitor, deter and disrupt threats. Burnham's office specifically highlighted the threat posed by Russia, while stressing that the partnership would address security challenges regardless of their origin.
British MPs have raised concerns in recent months about threats from Moscow. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting warned last month that Russia and President Vladimir Putin represented the biggest threat to the country's security.
Germany has similarly expressed alarm over what it regards as a growing threat from Moscow. Last month, Berlin accused Russia of being behind a failed drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Moscow has denied any wrongdoing.
The security partnership is seen as a signal of both countries' commitment to strengthening European security. According to sources, the agreement is intended to demonstrate German and British resolve on Ukraine, as well as on the broader question of Europe's security direction, including in relation to NATO and the role of the United States.
Burnham and Merz are also expected to discuss continued support for Ukraine in its war against Russia and disruption to global trade routes, including through the Strait of Hormuz.
The two leaders are additionally expected to formally ratify the 2025 Kensington Treaty, an accord committing both countries to deeper cooperation on science, technology, defence, security and economic growth.
