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Merz signals German interest in Japan-UK-Italy fighter program as Tokyo raises EV trade concerns

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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz agreed to deepen strategic cooperation in areas including AI and critical minerals during a meeting in Tokyo. Merz expressed interest in joining the three-country fighter development program, while Takaichi raised concerns over Japanese EVs being excluded from preferential treatment in Europe.

Discovered 2026-10-28T07:28:27.690200-07:00 | 2026-10-28T07:28:27.690200-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • Germany’s stated interest in the Japan-UK-Italy fighter development program could broaden the program’s international participation; the article provides no details on terms or timing.
  • The meeting paired defense-industrial cooperation with a trade dispute: Takaichi voiced strong concern over Japanese EVs being excluded from preferential measures in Europe, a point of friction alongside the leaders’ wider strategic agenda.

Reported By

Reuters
Sources Tracked
1
First Seen
2026-10-28T07:28:27.690200-07:00
Latest Update
2026-10-28T07:28:27.690200-07:00
Coverage
Defense

Sources

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