Britain ready to invite Germany to tempest fighter project as France rows simmer

Britain is poised to extend an invitation to Germany to join its Tempest next generation fighter jet initiative, amid mounting tensions between German and French defence partners over their rival European project. The Global Combat Air Programme, or GCAP, including the UK, Japan, and Italy, could soon open the door to German participation, according to industry insiders.

The prospect of Germany joining GCAP comes as the Franco-German-Spanish SCAF project faces internal strife. Reports highlight a widening rift between Airbus, representing German interests, and French aerospace leader Dassault Aviation. Dassault is said to be pressing for greater control and a larger stake in SCAF, banking on its track record with the popular Rafale fighter. However, Airbus is resisting any effort to renegotiate contracts, leaving partners at an impasse.

UK defence industry sources stress that any German involvement at this stage would likely be limited, given the advanced progress of GCAP. Negotiations have already hashed out workshares among Britain, Italy, and Japan, all eyeing a flying prototype as soon as 2027. Adding another development partner would risk delays and threaten ambitious schedules, with Tokyo particularly eager to see the project reach operational status by 2035.

Despite these complications, Germany may yet find a role as a production partner or future purchaser of the British-led fighter, with discussions reportedly underway behind the scenes. Berlin is weighing options beyond its troubled partnership with France, even considering potential collaborations with Sweden, as disillusionment over SCAF’s direction grows.

The GCAP was originally launched as Tempest in Britain, drawing together leading players such as BAE Systems, Leonardo of Italy, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Company into the new joint venture Edgewing. This alliance is intent on delivering a stealthy, supersonic fighter capable of integrating drones, cyber capabilities, and advanced battle management – a platform designed for maximum interoperability amongst allies.

Industry experts believe the real value for Germany may now lie in joining GCAP as a buyer rather than a core developer. Any shift would be a diplomatic victory for Britain while allowing Germany to maintain a role in European defence industrial cooperation and safeguard its long-term military aviation needs.

With the SCAF project teetering, all eyes remain on Berlin’s next strategic move and the broader implications for the future of European defence integration.