Japan postpones its F-15J upgrade programme
The JASDF's plans to upgrade its fleet of F-15J fighters has hit a snag - money - as estimated programme costs soar.
Japan will postpone funding of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-15J upgrade programme to the FY2021 budget, because costs have increased significantly from initial estimates.
Originally, the price was estimated at JPY4.8 billion ($46 million) per F-15J. Now the estimated cost has risen to about JPY6.4 billion each.
The MoD had planned to upgrade 20 F-15Js in a five-year period, according to the FY2019-2023 Medium-Term Defense Plan, and it had budgeted JPY10.8 billion ($104 million) to upgrade two F-15Js in the FY2019 budget.
However, the budget for the remaining 18 F-15Js has not been requested for a second consecutive
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Can emergent suppliers of fighter aircraft crack Middle East markets?]()
Can emergent suppliers of fighter aircraft crack Middle East markets?
The 2025 Dubai Airshow saw several aspiring suppliers of combat aircraft to the region’s air forces parade their wares in the sky and on the ground. Shephard’s Edward Hunt explores their chance of success in the Middle East.
-
![Northrop Grumman and Kratos team up to develop US Marine Corps CCA]()
Northrop Grumman and Kratos team up to develop US Marine Corps CCA
Northrop Grumman will provide the autonomy software for the USMC loyal wingman, which will be integrated into Kratos’ XQ-58 Valkyrie uncrewed aerial system.
-
![Saab eyes fresh market opportunities for its GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft]()
Saab eyes fresh market opportunities for its GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft
As the E-7 Wedgetail faces prolonged production and technical delays as well as a recently abandoned contract from NATO, its competitor, the GlobalEye, may find new avenues for market growth.
-
![Lockheed’s deal to triple PAC-3 MSE production opens doors to portfolio boost]()
Lockheed’s deal to triple PAC-3 MSE production opens doors to portfolio boost
The framework agreement with the US Department of Defense would see Lockheed Martin increase production capacity from 600 to 2,000 interceptors per year.
