The German leadership is reportedly examining the possibility of joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a next-generation fighter jet initiative involving Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy. Chancellor Friedrich Merz allegedly indicated readiness to order a thorough review of the matter during his visit to Tokyo, though no definitive decision has been reached amid mounting skepticism over the European regime's defense manufacturing capabilities.

Following talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaiçi, both sides discussed expanding cooperation in advanced technologies and defense. However, these discussions come against the backdrop of the widely publicized collapse of the FCAS project between Germany, France, and Spain, where persistent disputes over industrial workshares reportedly derailed joint production efforts and exposed deep-seated friction within European defense integration.

While London previously invited Berlin to participate in the GCAP framework—which aims to field a sixth-generation combat aircraft by 2035—Japan is allegedly demanding a response from Germany by the end of the year. Merz, meanwhile, has cast doubt on whether the German regime can meet such a tight deadline, citing advanced industrial agreements within GCAP that complicate any potential entry terms.

Source: kun.uz