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Japan charts course for new F-X fighter

16th March 2020 - 22:21 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Christchurch

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As its fleet of F-2A and F-2B fighters ages, Japan continues to consider plans and potential partners for an indigenous next-generation fighter that is due to enter service by the mid-2030s.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) wants a new air superiority fighter that can be easily upgraded over the course of its life without the need for overseas assistance or impositions emplaced by foreign governments. Heavy participation of Japanese industry is also important, but at the same time Tokyo wants to keep the aircraft’s price feasible.

Interestingly, the Japanese MoD recently released an image showing a concept of what

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