Tokyo, Oct. 30 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government is weighing how to respond to Germany’s interest in joining a Japan-Britain-Italy project to develop a next-generation fighter jet, having acknowledged that Berlin’s participation could cause delays and jeopardize plans to begin deployments in 2035. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed interest in participating in the Global Combat Air Program, telling a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after their meeting in Tokyo Wednesday that Berlin would like to explore the possibility of cooperation in fighter jet production. However, Takaichi made no mention of GCAP at the joint briefing. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed at a press conference Thursday that Takaichi and Merz had discussed the fighter development project at their summit but provided few details, saying only that the government would “proceed while taking into account the development schedule and the impact on the defense industry.” GCAP, announced by Japan, Britain and Italy in 2022, is overseen by the GCAP International Government Organization, or GIGO, while an international joint venture called Edgewing handles design and manufacturing. The program aims to develop a sixth-generation fighter equipped with advanced stealth technology and networked combat capabilities. Germany had initially pursued the development of a next-generation fighter with France and Spain, but the initiative collapsed due to disagreements over which company would lead development. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham told Merz in a meeting on Oct. 8 that he was open to Germany joining GCAP. Tokyo’s reaction to German interest in GCAP is nuanced. Diplomatically, Japan sees this as an opportunity to bolster ties with Germany, which has often been viewed as relatively close to China. German participation could also help reduce development costs. A senior Japanese Defense Ministry official said Germany’s technological capabilities would be a major asset. With Japan positioning the fighter to be developed under GCAP as the successor to its F-2 fighter jet, however, Tokyo’s top priority is bringing the new aircraft into service in 2035, when retirement of the F-2s will begin. “Germany’s participation would require a reallocation of responsibilities and delay the program by 10 years,” a source at the prime minister’s office said. Germany is also reportedly exploring possible cooperation with Sweden to develop a next-generation fighter. Japan hopes to keep German involvement in GCAP at a limited level while avoiding losing out to Sweden in competition to market next-generation fighters, a government source said. A source said that a compromise would have to be found, noting that Canada has decided to participate in GCAP as an observer. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
