Japan's pilot program for F-15 updates

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The Defense Ministry requested $89 million to upgrade two of its F-15J/DJ interceptors in its latest budget request for its next fiscal year, presumably to serve as prototypes for the upgrade program. A further $386.7 million was requested for nonrecurring costs for the program.

The upgrades will cover what the budget request describes as “new electronic warfare equipment with the ability to respond to increased capabilities of neighboring countries’ air forces.” The upgrades are also expected to increase the number of missiles Japan’s F-15s can carry, as well as integrate standoff missiles such as the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile.

Boeing displayed a model of its Advanced F-15 Eagle concept carrying 18 air-to-air missiles at the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition in Tokyo that ended Nov. 30, a significant increase from the maximum of eight carried by the F-15 in its current air defense configuration.

As predicted, Japan is looking to upgrade their F-15 fleet. Probably includes an AESA-fit. So if Boeing can produce good results on schedule and budget, I imagine there is a fat contract at the end of the rainbow.

The new budget also includes more money for Aegis Ashore BMD, the new SM-3 block II, more PAC-3 (Patriot) missiles, 60 more F-35A's, 40 F-35B for their "carrier", and more D model Hawkeyes.

a reply to: RadioRobert

The new budget also includes more money for Aegis Ashore BMD, the new SM-3 block II, more PAC-3 (Patriot) missiles, 60 more F-35A's, 40 F-35B for their "carrier", and more D model Hawkeyes.

Sounds to me like the start of an arms race with China.

They will not win that race but it is good for the US.

The other interesting factor is that President Trump has warned US allies to take more of the load in protecting themselves.

Japan has heard the call. I wonder how that discussion went.

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a reply to: RadioRobert

F-15 does not fly. Of course, it needs to be modernized, and the amount is much larger. So that he does not fly even better))))

a reply to: RussianTroll

Uh,,,what?

Think hes talking about the older model F15,s having structural problems.Newer ones wont have that problem.

a reply to: Blackfinger

The Japanese aircraft were license built in Japan, and shouldn't have the same problems.

a reply to: Zaphod58

And 99 of them are being directly replaced by F-35s. The upgrade program is probably just for the remaining ~40 or 50.

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