Tokyo’s timing for deciding on fighter development becomes uncertain
Japan’s defense ministry is leaving open the possibility of deferring a decision on how to best replace the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries F-2, the so-called Future Fighter requirement that has underpinned research and planning for an indigenous combat aircraft. Given their current rate of usage, the 92 F-2s are not expected to begin leaving service until about the mid-2030s, a defense ministry spokesperson tells Aviation Week. The government has planned to decide in the summer of ...