The Japanese government will have to decide between developing an indigenous advanced stealth fighter (an industry-pleasing move) and a cheaper, more cost effective conventional fighter jet (prudent spending of the taxpayers’ yen).
In March, the Defense Ministry issued a request for information (RFI) for foreign joint development of the new fighter, which would replace the ageing F-2 and operate alongside Lockheed Martin’s new F-35s JSF and still potent F-15s.
So far, Boeing and Lockheed Martin have responded to the RFI.
The new fighter, dubbed the F-3, could cost Japan as much as $40 billion, depending on the specifications chosen. It would be a major component of the future air force with over a hundred to be purchased for service. This is based on a one-to-one replacement of the F-2, of which 141 (funding was later approved for 130) were initially to be purchased before cost and technical problem forced the procurement to b pared down to 94.
Proponents of the stealth fighter aim to build an aircraft more advanced than the F-22 Raptor, which the United States refused to sell to Japan.
The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries X-2 stealth demonstrator has just made a successful maiden flight in April 2016. It can potentially be the basis for a much larger new stealth fighter.
On the other hand, building a cheaper and less technologically advanced fighter would be able to secure overseas sale to offset the developmental cost and life cycle cost.
A final decision on the project is expected by early 2018.
Japanese Self Defense Force F-2 fighters during the 2016 exercise Cope North Guam.
japantimes
defenseindustrydaily.com
janes.com
In March, the Defense Ministry issued a request for information (RFI) for foreign joint development of the new fighter, which would replace the ageing F-2 and operate alongside Lockheed Martin’s new F-35s JSF and still potent F-15s.
So far, Boeing and Lockheed Martin have responded to the RFI.
The new fighter, dubbed the F-3, could cost Japan as much as $40 billion, depending on the specifications chosen. It would be a major component of the future air force with over a hundred to be purchased for service. This is based on a one-to-one replacement of the F-2, of which 141 (funding was later approved for 130) were initially to be purchased before cost and technical problem forced the procurement to b pared down to 94.
Proponents of the stealth fighter aim to build an aircraft more advanced than the F-22 Raptor, which the United States refused to sell to Japan.
The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries X-2 stealth demonstrator has just made a successful maiden flight in April 2016. It can potentially be the basis for a much larger new stealth fighter.
On the other hand, building a cheaper and less technologically advanced fighter would be able to secure overseas sale to offset the developmental cost and life cycle cost.
A final decision on the project is expected by early 2018.
Japanese Self Defense Force F-2 fighters during the 2016 exercise Cope North Guam.
japantimes
defenseindustrydaily.com
janes.com
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