UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the United Kingdom is open to Germany joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a partnership with Italy and Japan to build a new fighter jet. Burnham conveyed this openness to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during their meeting in Berlin, indicating a desire to progress this in the coming period. The move follows growing speculation after a rival Franco-German fighter programme collapsed in June. Canada joined GCAP as an observer nation in July. Additionally, Burnham and Merz are expected to confirm a new UK-Germany joint security partnership to counter cyberattacks and hybrid threats, and formally ratify the 2025 Kensington Treaty to deepen cooperation across various sectors.