Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, during his first official visit to Berlin, unexpectedly proposed the construction of a new fighter jet to Friedrich Merz, the Chancellor of Germany. This proposal pertains to Germany's participation in the program known as GCAP, which Japan and Italy are currently also involved in.
Development of a New Generation Fighter Jet
Burnham stated during his meeting with Merz at the Chancellor's office that he is interested in Germany's participation in the GCAP project, the next-generation fighter jet. He added: "This is something we would like to advance in the future." This meeting reflects the efforts of both countries to strengthen defense and military cooperation on an international level.
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Exploring Cooperation Possibilities
German government sources have announced that the defense ministers of both countries have been tasked with exploring the possibility of cooperation in this area. However, it has been emphasized that this action is only a preliminary decision and a small step in the search for new collaborations in the defense sector. Previously, the plan to construct the French-German fighter jet FCAS failed this summer due to disagreements over terms.
Following this failure, the search for a new alternative has begun, and so far, cooperation between Airbus and the Swedish defense company Saab has been recognized as the most likely option. This defense collaboration is part of a new friendship pact between the UK and Germany, which Merz and Burnham initiated by exchanging documents at the Chancellor's office.
The Kensington Pact, which was previously signed in July 2025 during the German Chancellor's visit to London, includes agreements to deepen cooperation in economic policies, curb irregular migration, and combat transnational crime. Additionally, this agreement includes travel facilities such as visa-free travel for school trips and the establishment of a direct railway line between the two countries.
Merz referred to this as a historic day and proposed new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the post-Brexit context. Burnham also emphasized that during this challenging period, he needs close cooperation with Germany as one of his closest partners.
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