Aircraft
Japan Selects F-35 with Local Assembly
Japan has selected the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II to meet its F-X requirement.
Japan selected the F-35 as its new fighter and has been promised delivery in 2016. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
Japan selected the F-35 as its new fighter and has been promised delivery in 2016. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

Japan has chosen the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II to meet its F-X requirement. The losing contenders were the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the Eurofighter Typhoon. The Japanese Defence Ministry said that, while all three contenders met the essential requirements, the F-35 scored highest after points were awarded for performance, cost, logistics support and domestic industrial participation. Japanese newspapers quoted defense officials saying that the aircraft’s stealth and networking capabilities were key deciding factors.