Japan makes its own military products. The only country with which Japan has been cooperating so far is the United States. For the first time, the United States will not be a Japanese arms producing nation.

As a matter of fact, the Japanese government has made the official decision to cooperate on the joint development of a new generation fighter with Great Britain and Italy. The new fighter will replace the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s aging F2 [JASDF]. The news was confirmed by Japanese online media Asahi. The Japanese outlet writes that the agreement will be signed by the end of this year. This should happen in December.

Merging programs

A combination of two courses is possible: English Storm and Japanese FX. These two programs are specifically related to the development of a new generation of fighters. It should be noted that the Japanese company continues to collaborate with their British counterparts in designing the Tempest program. This will most likely facilitate the merging of the two programs and the conceptual design of the aircraft in the future.

On the Japanese side, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will play a leading role, while on the British side it will play a leading role BAE system. Italy will also participate, via local conglomerate Leonardo.

Currently, the function of the three companies has not been determined. According to Asahi, a second Italian company will be involved in the project, possibly as a subcontractor. This is the Avio company. According to Asahi, the machine will be entrusted to the British roll royce and IHI Japan. The two companies will have a central role in the design.

The first agreement between Japan and the UK has been reached. The two countries have determined future requirements for stealth technology, but Asahi has not provided details.

Asahi writes that 2035 is the deadline by which new combat aircraft must be ready for operation. The year is not a coincidence, as the Japanese military plans to start retiring the F2 fighter on that date.

Mitsubishi F2

The Mitsubishi F2 fighter jet was developed based on General Dynamics F-16 Against Falcon. It is a joint product of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Lockheed-Martin. Fighter aircraft were first introduced at the start of the new millennium. It is no longer in production, as it was discontinued in 2011. Only Japan operates this aircraft.

Although visually similar to F-16 Against Falcon, F2 has some differences with its “American brother”. For example, an F2’s wing is 25% larger than an F-16’s. The F2 has a longer and wider nose, larger tailplane and larger air intake. In addition, the F-2 is equipped with a drop parachute.

these three principles

However, Japan has gradually abandoned its conservative policy on arms production and exports.

The Japanese government intends to review, update, and somewhat “waiver” the strict export ban contained in Japan’s operational guidelines for the “Three Principles of Transfer of Defense Equipment”. This would give Japan great freedom to more quickly and easily export not only new weapons, but also donate obsolete ones. There is even talk of donating a portable anti-tank missile system to Ukraine, as well as support for Asian partners. A review of the “three principles” will be carried out in 2023.