Japan Chooses F-35 For Next Generation Fighter Jet
 

Congrats to Lockheed Martin!

TOKYO—Japan's Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa said Tuesday that Tokyo has selected Lockheed Martin Corp.'s F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter as its next-generation jet, capping a multiyear vetting process to upgrade its aging fleet.

The contract for the new fighter, dubbed the FX, totals 40 to 50 planes, according to Lockheed Martin, valued at an estimated $4 billion. It is Japan's most expensive fighter procurement ever and one of the world's largest military contracts this year.

The Lockheed Martin jet won the contract over two lower-cost, combat-tested aircraft—Boeing Co.'s F-18 Super Hornet and the European consortium Eurofighter GmbH's Typhoon fighter. But those planes were seen to lack the stealth capabilities of the more advanced F-35.

Washington, Japan's chief security ally, had quietly pushed the case for a U.S. jet by highlighting the importance of interoperability and the ability to share critical parts and conduct joint maintenance.

In their decision, Japanese officials cited the F-35's cutting edge technology, such as its so-called fifth-generation stealth design that provides radar-evading capability both in front of and behind the aircraft.

"We chose the F-35 based on its superior capabilities," Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa said following the decision.

Japan sees the jet's advanced technology as a way of both deterring potential aggressors such as China and Russia, and also to help foster the development of Japan's own aviation industry. A concession came in the form of partial licensed F-35 production, which is expected to be handled by a consortium of Japanese companies including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

One potential source of controversy is the F-35's checkered development history, as the yet-to-be-deployed fighter has been dogged by repeated delays and cost overruns.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...507481512.html

I hope they haven't really chosen it for its "superior stealth abilities"...

i am surprised......i see the F-35 more as an advanced fighterbomber not a primary interceptor. And i thought Japan would "need" an interceptor.

we will see what avionics it will get in the japanese service.

yeah, it's really apples and oranges, we'll see what they come out with..

It can't fly

Curious, what makes you see that as a fighter bomber instead of an interceptor?

They wouldn't buy Russia's new fighter which IMO is the worlds best or will be..f-18 SH is a great fighter but it lacks any sort of stealth capability, same goes with the Typhoon which is probably the worst out the lot apart from the armament it uses

Another question is which version of the F-35 is it? The one that hovers? The Air force one? Or the Navy type(carrier landing)?

Quite true...obviously all 3 would be tasked to do different roles primarily but I do see it as a formidable interceptor.

I wouldn't even put the Spit11a against it :))

I'd be surprised if the Russians create anything World beating, especially as India are involved. Thanks India, all those billions the UK give you in 'aid' and you spend it on Russians.

Bastards.

Not if you work for BAE SYSTEMS.