The Defense Ministry prefers to have Japan take the lead on the project -- something it has not done with fighter jet development since World War II -- to maintain the foundation of the country's defense industry and fortify the Self-Defense Forces' capabilities.
The ministry aims to have the majority of the jet developed domestically, including core components such as the engine, and envisions deployment in the mid-2030s. The proposed defense budget for the fiscal year starting in April earmarks 11.1 billion yen ($102 million) for work on the new plane.
Tokyo looks to "advance international cooperation" with the project while also "ensuring a degree of freedom for future upgrades and performance improvements," Defense Minister Taro Kono said.
Working with another country would do more than provide access to crucial technological expertise. With development costs for a single plane model potentially running into the tens of billions of dollars, a partnership would give Tokyo a built-in overseas marketing channel to help with the large-scale production and sales needed to ensure the project is financially viable.
The U.S. is now seen as the more likely option, given the importance placed on the bilateral alliance. The Air Self-Defense Force fleet now consists largely of U.S.-developed planes, including the F-35 stealth fighter, in part because compatibility with American equipment has been seen as a priority.
Lockheed Martin has sounded out Tokyo about creating a hybrid of the F-22 and the F-35, and Boeing has expressed interest as well.
But partnering with the U.S. may not fit well with Tokyo's desire for Japanese-led development.
While Japan and America worked together on the F-2, design details for key parts have not been disclosed to the Japanese side. And Tokyo cannot upgrade the planes freely, which has limited their usability. (end of excerpt)
Click here for the full story, on the Nikkei website.
-ends-
from Defense Aerospace - Press releases https://ift.tt/315tvWw
via Defense
No comments: