The Nikkei says Japan’s government intends to buy another 100 F-35 fighters to replace the F-15.
The first operational Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A taxis during an arrival ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Jan. 26, 2018. The aircraft is a high-performance, multirole aircraft with advanced electronics designed to heighten situational awareness and distribute more information to pilots than any other fighter aircraft, giving operators a critical advantage over adversaries. Japan is one of 12 countries to purchase the F-35A in efforts to maximize air superiority. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Deana Heitzman)
It plans to announce the purchase when it reviews the National Defense Program Guidelines next month. The Nikkei speculates that the order could include the B-variant. This will allow Japan to operate the F-35 from its Izumo-class warships.
