Germany may join the project to create a sixth-generation fighter jet
Germany is exploring the possibility of joining the GCAP fighter jet program involving Japan, Great Britain, and Italy. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated in Tokyo that an order to conduct an inquiry into this matter was ready. A final decision has not yet been made.
Germany may join the project to create a sixth-generation fighter
Following a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on October 28, Merz announced that the two countries are considering opportunities for cooperation in the field of fighter development.
During the visit, Berlin and Tokyo agreed to expand cooperation in economic security, advanced technologies, and defense.
Takaichi supported defense cooperation with Germany, emphasizing the importance of both countries contributing to international peace and stability.
New fighter targeted for 2035
Under the GCAP — Global Combat Air Programme, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy are developing a sixth-generation combat aircraft. According to Reuters, it is planned to be ready for operation by 2035.
In early October, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham offered Germany participation in the program. This came after reports that the FCAS project involving Germany, France, and Spain had failed.
According to Reuters, the main disagreements regarding FCAS related to the production shares of German and French companies.
Currently, other options for Germany are also being discussed. According to dpa agency, these include cooperation between Airbus, Sweden, and the defense group Saab.
Terms of participation in production to be studied
Merz noted that some industrial agreements of the GCAP program are already well advanced. Therefore, it is necessary to study separately under what conditions Germany could join the project.
The Chancellor emphasized that Europe needs to reduce the number of different combat systems and increase the volume of produced weapons. In his opinion, large-scale production will have a decisive impact on the price of fighters in the future. The fact that several major states are participating in GCAP could be an argument in favor of cooperation.
Japan wants to receive an answer from Germany by the end of the year. However, Merz said he could not yet confirm whether Berlin would be able to make a decision in such a short period.