UK Invites Germany to Join GCAP Sixth-Gen Fighter Program

Instead of FCAS? UK Offers Germany a Role in GCAP Fighter Programme

2026-10-09 From Detlev Karg 1 min Reading Time

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Britain has opened the door to German participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), offering Berlin a potential alternative following the collapse of the Franco-German FCAS fighter project.

Germany could become the fourth partner in the GCAP next-generation fighter programme. (Picture: AI generated) — Germany could become the fourth partner in the GCAP next-generation fighter programme.
(Picture: AI generated)

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham raised the proposal during talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin. GCAP is being developed by the UK, Italy and Japan, with the aim of introducing a sixth-generation combat aircraft by 2035. Burnham said Britain was open to Germany joining the programme and intended to pursue the possibility with its Italian and Japanese partners. According to German government sources, the two countries' defence ministers have been tasked with examining potential cooperation. However, Berlin stressed that no decision, or even preliminary commitment, had been made.

GCAP or Saab as realistic alternatives for Germany

The offer comes after the Franco-German FCAS fighter project collapsed this summer following years of disagreements over industrial responsibilities and programme management. Germany has since been evaluating alternative partnerships, including possible cooperation between Airbus and Sweden's Saab. German participation in GCAP could reshape Europe's future combat aircraft landscape. It would also raise questions about industrial workshare and the role of German aerospace and defence companies in a programme already led by BAE Systems, Leonardo and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

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