Andy Burnham has said he is open to Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme (Gcap), which is working on a new sixth-generation fighter jet to maintain aerial superiority over Russia
Andy Burnham met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Thursday(Image: Sean Gallup/PA Wire)
Andy Burnham has left the door open to Germany joining a group of nations developing the next generation of fighter jets using AI.
The Prime Minister said he was open to Berlin joining the Global Combat Air Programme (Gcap) – which currently comprises of the UK, Italy and Japan. Downing Street said he discussed it with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as the two leaders held their first face-to-face meeting in Berlin on Thursday.
Mr Burnham also praised his counterpart after Germany brought in new laws to target smuggling gangs transporting migrants to the UK.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the talks, Mr Burnham said: “We are talking today about defence collaboration, and I’ve indicated to the Chancellor, in our discussion prior to this ratification, our openness to Germany joining Gcap, the next generation of fighter aircraft.
“And that is something that we seek to progress in the coming period, working with our partners Italy and Japan, in relation to that as well.”
Gcap is working to develop sixth generation fighter planes to establish aerial superiority over rivals like Russia and China. These jets will be equipped with cutting edge tech including next generation sensors and AI.
In July the group welcomed Canada as an “observer nation”. A Downing Street statement said: “The leaders spoke about the prospect of German participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to develop a 6th generation stealth fighter jet. They agreed closer collaboration on defence supports the interests of both countries, as well as our allies, and committed to tasking their teams to engage further on this issue.”
The leaders’ talks focused on security – including a new partnership aimed at tackling new threats the two nations face including sabotage by hostile states. The PM stressed the importance of countering hybrid attacks, saying it was something both countries were “facing on a regular basis”.
Last month, the British Government summoned a senior Russian diplomat to protest over an attack at Germany’s Leipzig airport – a major international freight hub used for providing support to Ukraine.
A drone carrying explosives was found near Ukrainian cargo planes in August, but failed to explode and was subsequently defused.
