Japan defence chief 'may cancel' F-35 deal

[illusion8]

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TOKYO (AFP) - Japan's defence chief said Wednesday the country may cancel its $4.7 billion order for the US-built F-35 stealth jet if Washington fails to stick to the proposed price and deadlines.

Defence Minister Naoki Tanaka said a formal contract for the initial four units which Japan wants by March 2017, out of a total of 42 jets, was expected to be signed before this summer.

But, he told parliament: "If the situation comes to the point where (the US) cannot work out the proposal by that time, we will have concerns for Japan's defence capability.

"We would have to look at either cancelling the contract or opting for another model."

Japan in December chose Lockheed Martin's F-35 stealth jet for its next-generation mainstay fighter over two other jets -- the Boeing-made F/A-18 Super Hornet and the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Tokyo has opted for the jet to replace its ageing fleet of F-4 fighters, despite a series of technical setbacks and fears that the as-yet unproven F-35 might be badly delayed.

With a price tag of around $113 million per jet, the F-35 is the most expensive weapons programme in Pentagon history and has been plagued by cost overruns and technical delays.

Earlier this month, Japan's Defence Ministry sent a letter to the Pentagon asking it to keep the proposed price and deadlines for delivery.
Japan, which places its security alliance with the United States at the centre of its foreign policy, has long depended on US manufacturers for its military hardware.

Japan defence chief 'may cancel' F-35 deal - Yahoo!7

[The enlightened]

They can always try PAK-FA. Though it might be diplomatic suicide.

[pakje]

They can always try PAK-FA. Though it might be diplomatic suicide.

Kuril Islands dispute - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

prob not

[illusion8]

I think some other American jet would take its place for the time being, The Japanese seem to be in a great hurry to replace their older planes.

[Rajaraja Chola]

I think its time they try out their own jets.... They have the technological capability, but lacks the political balls to proceed....

[king cobra]

I think some other American jet would take its place for the time being, The Japanese seem to be in a great hurry to replace their older planes.

they can buy f-22 in future. what u think man ???

[illusion8]

they can buy f-22 in future. what u think man ???

AFAIK, F22 is not for sale.

[king cobra]

AFAIK, F22 is not for sale.

i said in future usa have no proble to sell this fighters to japen

[Nishan_101]

Yeah! we all have pretty sure that It will going to happen... and even Korea & Taiwan will buy it too.

[selvan33]

Now again there is a brighter chance for silent eagle or typhoon,once it gets cancelled.

[shuttler]

in retaliation of the US' caution on shinzo abe's outrageous behaviour perhaps

[Nishan_101]

TOKYO (AFP) - Japan's defence chief said Wednesday the country may cancel its $4.7 billion order for the US-built F-35 stealth jet if Washington fails to stick to the proposed price and deadlines.

Defence Minister Naoki Tanaka said a formal contract for the initial four units which Japan wants by March 2017, out of a total of 42 jets, was expected to be signed before this summer.

But, he told parliament: "If the situation comes to the point where (the US) cannot work out the proposal by that time, we will have concerns for Japan's defence capability.

"We would have to look at either cancelling the contract or opting for another model."

Japan in December chose Lockheed Martin's F-35 stealth jet for its next-generation mainstay fighter over two other jets -- the Boeing-made F/A-18 Super Hornet and the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Tokyo has opted for the jet to replace its ageing fleet of F-4 fighters, despite a series of technical setbacks and fears that the as-yet unproven F-35 might be badly delayed.

With a price tag of around $113 million per jet, the F-35 is the most expensive weapons programme in Pentagon history and has been plagued by cost overruns and technical delays.

Earlier this month, Japan's Defence Ministry sent a letter to the Pentagon asking it to keep the proposed price and deadlines for delivery.
Japan, which places its security alliance with the United States at the centre of its foreign policy, has long depended on US manufacturers for its military hardware.

Japan defence chief 'may cancel' F-35 deal - Yahoo!7

Its far better for the Japanese, South Koreans, Taiwanese, Indonesia and Malaysia to join in to develop a 5th Generation on their own with engines from Canada or even US.... But EU market is also open too...

[illusion8]

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in retaliation of the US' caution on shinzo abe's outrageous behaviour perhaps

Look at the date of the thread and the article.