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Japan narrows next-generation fighter requirement choice

By Jon Grevatt Jane's Asia-Pacific Industry Reporter

Japanese Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials have decided to continue formal interest in three aircraft to meet its F-X next-generation fighter requirements - the Eurofighter Typhoon, and Boeing's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-15E Strike Eagle - although a plan to lobby Washington to acquire Lockheed Martin's F-22 has not been ruled out.

A source at the Japanese MoD said: "Officials from the Ministry of Defence went to the US and Europe from 25 February to 15 March and have decided on three aircraft that could meet Japan's next-generation fighter aircraft."

He added that, contrary to media reports, Dassault's Rafale "is not being considered".

Speaking on 20 March, the Japanese MoD source refused to say whether interest in the F-22 had been discontinued. "We have decided on three aircraft to meet Japan's next-generation fighter requirements. But the F-22 is a modern, hi-tech fighter - so yes, of course, we are very interested. But of lot of things would need to be cleared before we would have a chance of acquiring the F-22."

Jane's Comment: According to Jane's Defence Forecasts, the Eurofighter Typhoon is favourite the win the contest for Japan's next-generation fighter requirement. If Eurofighter were to win the contract, the cost of the aircraft - based on the 80 aircraft Japan would need to replace its current F-4EJ fighters - could reach more than USD9 billion.

Japan narrows next-generation fighter requirement choice - Jane\'s Defence News