GCAP

Reports say Germany is being courted to join the GCAP future combat air system, the fighter programme grouping the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan, after the Franco-German-Spanish SCAF project ran into trouble. The talks revive debate in France and Germany over the future of European combat aviation and industrial cooperation.

Germany is considering joining the Global Combat Air Programme, the joint effort by Japan, Britain and Italy to develop a next-generation fighter jet. The news highlights growing European interest in the trilateral defence partnership, which already represents one of the most ambitious international arms development projects, and could reshape cooperation on future European air combat capability.

UK politician Burnham has said he is open to Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), the pact between the UK, Italy and Japan to jointly develop a new fighter jet. The programme, which recently welcomed Canada as an observer or partner, could gain another major European participant if Germany's interest is formalised.

UK Prime Minister Burnham says Britain is open to Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme, the multinational effort to develop a next-generation fighter jet alongside Italy and Japan. The statement signals possible expansion of the defence consortium. Details on negotiations or Germany's position were not given in the report.