The British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has expressed openness to Germany joining the UK-led Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a sixth-generation fighter jet development initiative. Burnham made the offer during a visit to Berlin on October 8, 2026, where he met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss closer defence and security cooperation between the two countries.

The GCAP, also known as Tempest, is a joint project currently involving the UK, Italy, and Japan to develop a stealth long-range combat aircraft expected to enter service by 2035. The invitation to Germany comes as Berlin seeks new partnerships following the collapse of its previous fighter project, the Future Combat Air System, a Franco-German venture that ended in June.

Burnham highlighted that the UK aims to progress talks on Germany’s participation alongside existing partners, emphasizing strengthened ties between “the biggest economies in Europe” and “the two biggest investors in defence.” Alongside defence collaboration, the leaders ratified the Kensington Treaty, a bilateral agreement designed to deepen cooperation across various security and economic areas.

While Burnham indicated the UK’s flexibility on future relations with the European Union, including the possibility of rejoining the bloc, Chancellor Merz stopped short of endorsing a British return. Instead, Merz underlined Berlin’s commitment to “friendship and bilateral co-operation” with the UK, framing the new treaty as a foundation for expanding joint initiatives despite Brexit. According to German officials, the treaty opens avenues for enhanced collaboration but does not yet confirm Germany’s formal participation in GCAP.

The prospect of Germany joining GCAP has been the subject of recent exploratory discussions by German authorities. However, Merz did not directly address the subject during the joint remarks, instead focusing on the broader political and economic partnership between the two nations.

In the context of wider UK-EU relations, Burnham sought German support to oppose parts of the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act, especially the “Made in Europe” rules aimed at protecting EU companies from external competition, including from China. UK officials have warned that such regulations could harm cross-Channel supply chains and inadvertently impact British businesses. Germany has generally advocated a more inclusive approach toward non-EU partners compared to France, which has prioritized exclusivity for member states.

French officials, meanwhile, have publicly encouraged the UK to fully rejoin the EU. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure reiterated calls for Britain to return, noting that membership would enable the UK to participate directly in EU policy discussions, including those related to the Industrial Accelerator Act.

Burnham is expected to outline further proposals on the UK’s relationship with the EU ahead of a summit scheduled for November in Brussels. He aims to build a national consensus on these issues before the next UK general election, which must be held by summer 2029.