Wed, Dec 21, 2011
Initial Contract For Four Aircraft In 2012
The Japan Ministry of Defense has announced its selection of the
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II as the Japan Air Self Defense
Force's (JASDF) next generation fighter aircraft, following the F-X
competitive bid process. The F-35A conventional takeoff and landing
variant (CTOL) was offered by the United States government with
participation from Lockheed Martin. The initial contract will be
for four jets in Japan Fiscal Year 2012, which begins April 1,
2012.
File Photo CTOL Variant
"We are honored by the confidence the Japanese government has
placed in the F-35 and our industry team to deliver this 5th
Generation fighter to the Japan Air Self Defense Force," said Bob
Stevens, Lockheed Martin chairman and chief executive officer.
"This announcement begins a new chapter in our long-standing
partnership with Japanese industry and builds on the strong
security cooperation between the U.S. and Japan."
Global participation is a centerpiece of the F-35 program and
essential for its success and affordability through economies of
scale. The program is comprised of nine partner nations: the United
States, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, Canada,
Australia, Denmark and Norway. The United Kingdom and Netherlands
have ordered test aircraft, and Italy and Australia have committed
long-lead funding for their initial operational aircraft. In
October 2010, Israel selected the F-35A as the Israel Air Force's
next generation fighter and is scheduled to receive the F-35
through the U.S. government's Foreign Military Sales process.
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