Japan Considering More F-35s; First SRVL for Royal Navy | Aviation International News

Japan Considering More F-35s; First SRVL for Royal Navy

Japan's desire for further F-35s could result in an order for 20 more to begin the replacement of the F-15 Eagle

Japan's first F-35A is seen during its rollout ceremony at Fort Worth. Mitsubishi is assembling 38 of the 42 aircraft for Japan at its final assembly and checkout (FACO) plant at Komaki. (photo: Lockheed Martin)

By Chen Chuanren • Asia Correspondent

October 16, 2018

As part of measures to keep up with China’s rising air power, Japan is considering the purchase of 20 more Lockheed Martin F-35As for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), following on from earlier government discussions. According to a report by local newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun procurement will begin as early as 2020 and will be part of the next Medium Term Defense Program for Fiscal Years 2019-23. The new batch of 20 F-35As is to replace around half of the 200 license-built F-15J Eagles, some of which are facing obsolescence.

Currently, Japan has committed to 42 conventional takeoff F-35As to replace three squadrons of F-4/RF-4 Phantoms based at Hyakuri air base. The first F-35A assembled in the United States has already been delivered to Misawa air base, temporarily assigned to the Rinji F-35A Hiko-tai (squadron). It will later be officially assigned to 302 Hiko-tai (currently an F-4EJ Kai unit) by March 2019, following the delivery of more aircraft.

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