Germany and Japan to Discuss Cooperation on Next-Generation Fighter Jet Programme

Tokyo (ANTARA) – Germany and Japan have agreed to hold talks between their defence ministers in the near future to discuss possible German involvement in the next-generation fighter jet programme led by Japan alongside the UK and Italy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Wednesday.

Merz said the fighter jet development project, which is targeted for completion by 2035, had made rapid progress. Germany first wants to assess the extent to which it could participate in the programme.

Germany had previously sought to develop a new-generation fighter jet with France and several other countries. The plan was abandoned in June following disagreements over which participating company would lead the project.

Alongside joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), cooperation with Sweden on the Gripen fighter jet is viewed as a potential alternative for Germany.

In a joint statement after a summit on Wednesday, Merz said Germany could cooperate with Japan on fighter jet development, without specifically naming GCAP. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi did not mention the issue.

On Thursday in Tokyo, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a press conference that GCAP had been raised at the meeting. However, he declined to disclose details of the discussions, saying they were part of a diplomatic exchange.

“Taking various factors into account, including the impact on the development schedule and the defence industry, we will continue to work closely with the UK and Italy to ensure GCAP becomes a better programme,” said Kihara, the Japanese government’s chief spokesperson.