Japan looks to US to replace its ageing fighter jets

Japan’s government has selected the US-built Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter to upgrade its ageing air force and is likely to formally announce the multi-billion-dollar deal by the end of the week.

The announcement is expected after a cabinet meeting on Friday, according to Kyodo News agency and the respected Yomiuri newspaper.

Japan is expected to buy 40 to 50 jets for as much as $8 billion, though the value of the deal depends on what package Japan chooses. The Yomiuri report said Japan will budget for the first four aircraft in 2012, with deliveries starting in 2016.

Japan – with 362 fighter jets, mostly F-15s, F-4s and F-2s – is already one of the top air powers in the region. But planners have long been concerned by the increasing age and expense of maintaining the fleet, and Japan’s ability to match the improving capabilities of its neighbours.

China is openly testing its own new stealth fighter, the Chengdu J-20, which closely resembles the American F-22 Raptor – currently the most up-to-date air-to-air fighter in the US inventory. Japan had originally wanted to buy the F-22, but the US government has banned its export.

India is expected to decide on a potential $11bn deal for 126 jets in coming weeks, with the choice narrowed down to a showdown between the Eurofighter, built by a multi-nation consortium, and the Rafale, from France’s Dassault Aviation.