TOKYO, November 5, 2026 — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Japan on October 28, 2026, has revealed Germany’s interest in joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a joint development project by Japan, the UK, and Italy for a next-generation fighter jet. However, Japan has expressed concerns that adding Germany to the project could delay the 2035 operational deadline.
Background And Current State
The GCAP project aims to deploy a stealth fighter by 2035, with Japan, the UK, and Italy having already allotted more than $5.5 billion for the jet program. The project is led by the Edgewing joint venture, consisting of BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Germany’s interest in GCAP comes after the collapse of its joint development project with France and Spain, the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), due to disputes over leadership and design.
Japan’s Concerns And Demands
Japanese officials fear that adding Germany to the GCAP project would complicate the program and likely slow it down, officials said. Japan urgently needs replacements for its aging Mitsubishi F-2 fleet and is pushing to keep the 2035 deadline. If the UK wants to bring Germany into the project, Japan suggests that it should allocate from its own industrial share rather than diluting others, according to state reports.
UK’s Diplomatic Stance And Industrial Implications
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated openness to Germany joining GCAP, but noted that he would need to consult with Italy and Japan. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury stated that joining GCAP is one potential solution, but the decision belongs to governments. The industrial implications of Germany’s potential entry into GCAP are significant, with Edgewing’s existing work distribution and joint venture structure potentially being affected.
Strategic Implications And Next Steps
The potential entry of Germany into GCAP has significant implications for the Indo-Pacific defense posture and European rearmament. Canada has already joined the GCAP program as an observer, and the project’s progress will be closely watched by regional players. As the GCAP project moves forward, the next steps will be crucial in determining the fate of Germany’s potential entry and the project’s overall timeline. The FCAD demonstrator is already being manufactured, with its first flight planned for 2028, according to state reports. Chancellor Merz cautioned that Germany might not be ready to decide by the start of 2027, as Japan hopes.
Sources
- Germany to Japan? New Developments in the Next-Generation Fighter GCAP｜CPC
- Airbus ready for linkup with GCAP, CEO says
- Germany Wants Into the GCAP 6th-Gen Fighter. Japan Fears Berlin Would Push the Jet Past Its 2035 Deadline
- Germany Weighs GCAP Fighter Role as Airbus Prepares Talks With BAE
- Japan Resists German Entry Into GCAP Sixth-Gen Fighter, Tokyo Tells London to Give Berlin Its Own Share | Defense Express
Photo: SAC Ben Stevenson (OGL v1.0)
