UK's Burnham says Britain is open to Germany joining GCAP fighter jet programme

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the United Kingdom is open to Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a next-generation fighter jet project with Italy and Japan. Al Jazeera, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) and Anadolu Agency all reported his remarks.

According to Al Jazeera, Burnham spoke at a news conference in Berlin on Thursday after meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The SCMP reported that he spoke in Berlin on Thursday. Al Jazeera reported that this is his first official visit to Germany since he became prime minister in July. The SCMP described it as his first visit to the German capital since taking office.

Al Jazeera quoted Burnham as saying: "I’ve indicated to the Chancellor … our openness to Germany joining GCAP." According to Al Jazeera, he added: "That is something that we seek to progress in the coming period, working with our other partners, Italy and Japan."

According to Al Jazeera and the SCMP, GCAP is a partnership between the UK, Italy and Japan to build a sixth-generation fighter jet. The programme admitted Canada as an "observer nation" in July. The planned jets are to carry AI, next-generation sensors and other technology. The SCMP reported that the jets are informally known as "Tempest". Al Jazeera reported that a rival Franco-German fighter programme collapsed in June. It said speculation has grown since then that GCAP's founding countries could open the programme to Germany.

The two leaders were expected to confirm a new joint security partnership against sabotage, cyberattacks and other hybrid threats, according to Al Jazeera. Under it, the countries will share security information and work together to monitor, deter and disrupt threats, Al Jazeera reported. The SCMP said Burnham's talks in Berlin, focused primarily on security, included the launch of a new partnership aimed at hybrid threats. Al Jazeera reported that the leaders were also expected to formally ratify the 2025 Kensington Treaty. The treaty commits both countries to deeper cooperation on science, technology, defence, security and economic growth. They were also expected to discuss support for Ukraine and disruption to trade routes, including through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Al Jazeera. Al Jazeera described the treaty ratification as expected. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not confirm that it was concluded.

The reports do not include any response from Merz or the German government on joining GCAP. They do not describe the positions of Italy or Japan. They also do not describe any terms, conditions or timeline for German entry. Anadolu Agency's coverage reviewed by Vocemundi consists of a headline only.

What is disputed

According to Al Jazeera, Berlin accused Russia of being behind a failed drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month. Moscow denies any wrongdoing. The reports do not describe the evidence behind Germany's attribution.

What each side says

• Burnham, in a statement ahead of the visit, quoted by Al Jazeera: "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."
• The UK Prime Minister's office singled out the threat posed by Russia. It stressed that the partnership would confront threats regardless of their origin, according to Al Jazeera.
• UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting warned last month that Russia and President Vladimir Putin were the biggest threat to UK security, Al Jazeera reported.
• The German government sees a growing security threat from Moscow, according to Al Jazeera.
• The Russian government denies any wrongdoing.

Analysis

Burnham's remarks signal British openness, not an agreement. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi include no German reply and no view from Italy or Japan, whose consent would likely matter in a three-nation programme. Several paths remain possible. Germany could seek full membership, a more limited role, or no role at all. The partners could also set conditions that shape any decision. The reported collapse of the Franco-German programme may influence Berlin's choices, but the reports do not show that it will. Shared concern about security threats, which both governments link to Russia, forms part of the wider context of the visit.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.