Order for next-generation stealth fighters postponed again

The Yomiuri Shimbun

The Defense Ministry has unofficially decided to postpone a budget request for fiscal 2011 to procure next-generation mainstay FX fighter jets, government sources said Monday.

The ministry had identified the F-35, which is developed jointly by the United States, Britain and other allies, as the preferred model of FX jet for the Air Self-Defense Force.

But the ministry now believes further research is necessary as much uncertainty exists over when production of the F-35 could possibly begin and thus how soon they could be deployed, among other issues.

The decision means the introduction of FX fighters to the ASDF will be postponed for the third year in a row, having been initially scheduled for fiscal 2009.

Some defense experts have voiced fears the delay may result in deterioration of Japan's air-defense capability.

The ministry wants FX jets with stealth capabilities that make them difficult to detect by radar. The F-35 is regarded as the most advanced stealth fighter.

The FX planes are intended to replace the aging F-4 fighters that were introduced to the ASDF in 1973.

The ministry plans to procure about 50 FX fighters to form two squadrons.

In its midterm defense build-up program through fiscal 2009, the ministry aimed to procure the first seven fighters.

The U.S.-made F-22 was initially the ministry's preferred model, but the U.S. Congress banned their export to protect military secrets. The ministry gave up on introducing F-22 fighters last year.

Other models currently under consideration by the ministry are the United States' FA-18E/F, and the Euro-Fighter developed jointly by Britain, Germany and other European countries.

Many in the ASDF recommend the F-35, as its capabilities are more advanced.

However, F-35 jets will likely not be deployed to the U.S. Air Force until 2015, two years behind schedule, making the production schedule and cost of subsequent orders by other nations difficult to predict.