Germany and Japan Seek Cooperation in Military Aircraft Development with Different Intentions

Reference News Network reported on October 31 According to Japan's Asahi Shimbun on October 29, during a summit between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Scholz mentioned the possibility of "cooperation" on the "Global Combat Air Programme" (GCAP), a project being advanced collaboratively by Japan, the UK, and Italy. This statement has raised concerns in Japan, which is already worried about delays in the project's progress. The report noted that, on the other hand, against the backdrop of the turbulent international order during the Trump administration, the importance of strengthening cooperation with Germany, a country that plays a leading role in Europe and shares values with Western nations, is becoming increasingly prominent.

“Cooperation can also be developed in the field of fighter jets,” Scholz stated regarding the GCAP project during a joint statement with Takaichi. Immediately, voices within the Japanese government expressed concerns that “this move will cause trouble.”

The report indicated that Japan has been vigilant about Germany's movements. The goal of the GCAP project is to enable the Japan Air Self-Defense Force to deploy fighter jets by 2035. The UK, facing financial difficulties, hopes to share development costs through Germany's participation and reduce unit costs by increasing procurement quantities.

In this regard, relevant personnel from Japan's Ministry of Defense are concerned that if Germany joins, “the previously agreed division of labor among Japan, the UK, and Italy will inevitably need to be re-examined.”

Japan's real concern is that the GCAP project has already been criticized for its slow progress, and they do not want Germany's full involvement to lead to further delays in the project.

During Scholz's visit to Japan, he was accompanied by a delegation of about 30 German companies. The two sides signed approximately 30 memoranda of understanding and other documents in the fields of economy and cutting-edge technology.

According to reports, executives from European aerospace giant Airbus were also present in the business delegation. The Financial Times reported that Airbus plans to consult with BAE Systems, which is responsible for the GCAP project, and is considering participating in the project on behalf of Germany.

The report stated that if Germany participates only as an “observer,” sharing information based on the premise of potential future procurement of airframes, it would not impact Japan. As for the specific form of “cooperation” mentioned by Scholz, Japan will consult with the UK and Italy.

On the other hand, during this meeting, Japan and Germany positioned each other as complementary “high-quality partners” based on the trust relationship already established between the two countries. Takaichi emphasized the significance of this relationship, declaring that “as countries that share values and principles, the two nations will demonstrate their unbreakable bond to the world.”

The report indicated that Japan is increasingly focusing on strengthening cooperation with Germany and other European countries. A senior official from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “Cooperation with Germany, which plays a leading role in Europe, in the defense sector is crucial.” Scholz emphasized at the joint press conference: “We are partners who share values; through cooperation, we can build a world where not only great powers but also other countries have space to operate.”

According to reports, both sides confirmed their cooperation on sanctions against Russia and assistance to Ukraine.

In addition, both sides issued a joint declaration on cutting-edge technology and economic security. To ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) can be applied reliably and stably, both sides will initiate high-level dialogue at the deputy ministerial level.

The report stated that given Japan's complete lifting of restrictions on the export of lethal weapons, Scholz expressed expectations for deepening cooperation in the defense industry. The two sides will also strengthen dialogue to address foreign information manipulation and interference. Additionally, both sides confirmed that they would hold a diplomatic and defense ministerial “2+2” meeting as soon as possible.

In terms of defense industry cooperation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries signed a memorandum with Airbus in June this year regarding the development of military drones. It is reported that this is the first time a Japanese company has collaborated with a large overseas enterprise in the field of defense drones, thus attracting significant attention. (Translated by Chen Rui)