Japan to replace F-2 fighter with locally developed future fighter aircraft

Japan plans to retire the Mitsubishi F-2 multirole fighter with a new future fighter developed from a Japan-led program. Photo c/o Wikimedia Commons.

In an interview with Jane’s, Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) confirmed that it is planning to start a “Japan-led” fighter development program to replace its current fleet of Mitsubishi F-2 multi-role fighters operated by the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF).

This appears to rule out previous statements by the MoD to fulfil future fighter requirements of the JASDF by developing or locally producing an existing foreign-designed fighter platform. Currently Japan has local assembly rights for Lockheed Martin’s F-35A Lighting II stealth fighter, with at least 38 units being built in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for use by the JASDF. 

For the development, the MoD prioritizes five parameters for the project. Jane’s listed them as the following: “capability for future air superiority, potential to expand capability by incorporating next generation technologies, ability to modify and upgrade the new platform, participation of Japanese industry, and affordable cost”.

The launching of its future fighter program is expected to happen in the 2019-2023 timeframe in line with the MoD’s Mid-Term Defense Program (MTDP), and is expect to be completed in 15 years. This is in time with the planned retirement of the Mitsubishi F-2 fleet starting in the late 2030s.

The MoD also stated that they are open to collaboration with foreign contractors to reduce technological risks, with BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman being possible partners.

It is also possible that the experiental 5th generation fighter technology demonstrator developed by Japan, the X-2 Shinshin, could be revived, especially if Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will lead the development of the future fighter.

[1] IHS Jane’s

[2] Nikkei Asian Review

[3] The Diplomat