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Japan is seeking proposals for a new advanced jet fighter based on an existing Western aircraft and wants American and British cooperation to help kick-start development of the project, which is estimated to cost around $40 billion, three sources said.
Japan this month issued a third request for information (RFI) to defense companies, seeking proposals for the new aircraft, dubbed the F-3. Unlike the first two requests, this one went only to foreign companies in the United States and Europe, with a separate, more detailed document delivered to London and Washington, according to the sources, who have direct knowledge of the requests.
“Japan expects specific proposals for designs based on existing aircraft,” said one of the sources. The two previous RFIs did not attract any detailed proposals, he added.
The requests for a design based on existing aircraft and the separate documents sent to the British and U.S. governments have not been previously reported.
The sources declined to be identified because they are not authorized to speak to the media.
Existing airframes Japan could use include the F-35 Lightning II stealth jet built by Lockheed Martin Corp or Boeing Co’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet; and the Eurofighter Typhoon, manufactured by a European consortium including BAE Systems Plc.
originally posted by: intrptr
Japans being allowed to arm again...
I'm sure the Chinese are paying close attention. Especially with America backing them.
“We are considering domestic development, joint development and the possibility of improving existing aircraft performance, but we have not yet come to any decision,” a Ministry of Defense representative said.
originally posted by: Arnie123
a reply to: intrptr
A very strong part of our Asian Iron Curtain.
A powerful fortress and high tech weapons, bring back that fiery spirit from once was, now tempered and sharpened by American power.
originally posted by: CharlesT
originally posted by: intrptr
Japans being allowed to arm again...
I'm sure the Chinese are paying close attention. Especially with America backing them.
I may be wrong about this but my impression is that Japan's mandate to remain disarmed offensively was self imposed and not a stipulation dictated in any surrender treaty.