Japan leans toward buying F35s

[CougarKing]

I wonder if they might consider the B model for a future HYUGA carrier variant with a ski jump?

http://www.reuters.com/articlePrint?articl...E5AM0CQ20091123

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's defense ministry is moving toward selecting Lockheed Martin Corp's  F-35 jet as the mainstay of its next-generation fighter force, Kyodo news agency reported on Monday, citing ministry sources.

The ministry, which is thinking of buying about 40 F-35s, plans to submit a request for their purchase in the fiscal 2011/12 budget, Kyodo said.
It added, however, that the ministry may postpone making the request for one year, due to a view in the government that the purchase should only be made when full details of the plane's capabilities are available.

Lockheed is developing three models of the radar-evading F-35 to replace at least 13 types of aircraft, initially for 11 nations.

Kyodo said each F-35 was estimated to cost about 9 billion yen ($100 million).

Japan is looking to replace its current fleet of aging F-4 jet fighters, whose design dates back to the 1960s, because they have become increasingly difficult to maintain.

Lockheed said last week that it was making progress on the F-35 fighter, the costliest U.S. weapons program, despite rising costs and delays.

Japan has also been following moves in the U.S. Congress aimed at extending production of Lockheed's radar-evading F-22 Raptor fighter, widely considered the most advanced fighter plane in use today.

Foreign sales of the F-22 were banned by a 1998 law aimed at protecting the "stealth" technology and other high-tech features. A Senate panel has urged the Air Force to start developing an export model of the F-22.

Apart from Japan, Israel and Australia have also shown an interest in buying the F-22.

 

 

[Flap Jack]

I would have guessed with all the anti-US sentiment in Japan right now the last thing they would be doing is buying American planes.

 

[Bass ackwards]

I would have guessed with all the anti-US sentiment in Japan right now the last thing they would be doing is buying American planes.

There's been a hell of a lot of anti-US sentiment in this country dating back to...oh...say 1812.
But look at all the American stuff we use -and have used since WWII. 

 

[Flap Jack]

There's been a hell of a lot of anti-US sentiment in this country dating back to...oh...say 1812.
But look at all the American stuff we use -and have used since WWII.

Haha well I guess I have just been hearing more about now since the change in government.

 

[CBH99]

A curious question...

What are some of the security concerns (Outside of OPSEC, obviously) - about most western nations all using the same type of aircraft?

Sure, it cuts down on costs if fleets are kept as common as possible - maintenance is easier, supplies of parts is easier, etc, etc.

But from a tactical & strategic perspective...what are the concerns of most western countries using the same type of aircraft??  (Not as much versatility in regards to fleets with mixed types.)