During his inaugural visit to Berlin, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that the United Kingdom is open to Germany participating in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This international initiative is currently focused on the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet, a project originally established as a trilateral agreement between the UK, Italy, and Japan.

Burnham confirmed that he had discussed this potential expansion with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. While the UK has signaled a welcoming stance toward German involvement, the report does not clarify whether Germany has formally requested to join the coalition or what specific conditions would be required for such an expansion. The GCAP project is a significant defense collaboration, and the potential inclusion of Germany would mark a major shift in the program's current structure. As of now, the partnership remains officially comprised of the three founding nations, and further negotiations regarding the integration of new partners have not been publicly detailed.