Japan’s next-gen fighter

The Japanese Government is reportedly reconsidering its earlier plans to develop an indigenous next-generation fighter and are instead examining proposals for further development of an existing Western fighter. Japan’s Defence Ministry has issued a request for information (RFI) seeking proposals for the new aircraft, which will be known as the F-3 in service. Japan is expecting to receive proposals for designs based on existing aircraft of British or American origin, the project being estimated at $40 billion. Even as the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) is receiving 42 F-35As to replace the ageing Phantoms, it needs additional fighters from around 2030 to supplant its F-2 fighters. Earlier, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) flew its X-2 stealth technology demonstrator under the advanced technology demonstrator experimental (ATD-X) programme which has been under test at Gifu, home of the JASDF’s Air Development and Test Wing.

In related news, the Japan Air Self Defence Force is reportedly considering procurement of another 20-25 F-35As to its planned procurement. The JASDF’s 3rd Air Wing is the initial unit to operate the F-35A at Misawa Airbase.