Japan Buys the First Batch of Four F-35 "Lightning 2"

Agency for Defense Security and Cooperation (DSCA) U.S. Department of Defense has notified Congress on May 1 of the proposed sale of Japan's first batch of four fifth-generation fighter F-35 is a conventional takeoff and landing with an option for delivery of another 38 aircraft. Full cost of the agreement, if the implementation of all options, could reach $ 10 billion.

All aircraft will be equipped with F-135 engines, the company "Pratt & Whitney," plus five spare powerplants. The rest of the aircraft equipment, as requested, including: electronic warfare, command, control, communications, computing and intelligence, navigation and identification (C4I/CNI); autonomous global system of logistic support (ALGS); autonomic logistics information system (ALIS); flight simulator, systems and components compatibility weapons; IR trap center reprogramming; quality assessment system for logistics. The request also includes: design / integration software, equipment for flight test, in-flight refueling systems, spare parts and repair equipment, auxiliary tools and test equipment, technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, logistical support from the Government of the United States and contractor, other related elements of logistical support.

Fifth-generation fighter F-35A «Lightning-2" with a conventional takeoff and landing, proposed by the U.S. government and the company "Lockheed Martin", was selected winner of the tender for the supply of long-term air defense fighter FX Japan December 19, 2011.


The initial contract for the delivery of four aircraft to be signed in the 2012 fiscal year, which began in Japan April 1, 2012.


According to the agency "Reuters", which refers to data from the Ministry of Defense of Japan, the cost of one fighter is estimated at 8.9 billion yen (114 million dollars). Taking into account the cost of spare parts, it could rise to 9.9 billion yen.

Japan has officially announced the start of the competition to supply next-generation fighter FX April 11, 2011 by sending requests for proposals to three potential bidders. The tender was attended by American, "Boeing" and "Lockheed Martin" with the fighters F/A-18E/F «Super Hornet" and F-35 "Lightning 2", respectively, and a consortium of "Eurofighter" with the EF-2000 "Typhoon ".


Total Defense of Japan intends to purchase 42 F-35 fighter. They are intended to replace the old multi-purpose F-4EJ «Phantom of the two-Kai," which will be removed from service since 2015. Deliveries of the F-35 could begin in 2016.


Initially, Japan expressed interest in buying the plane of the fifth generation F-22A «Raptor" company "Lockheed Martin", but the U.S. Congress to refuse to lift the ban on exports of the fighters. As a result, Japan has decided to hold a tender for the supply of aircraft FX, while continuing to finance the development of a national low-profile combat aircraft ATD-X.