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Japan is closing in on becoming the fourth nation to test fly its own stealth jet, a move that could further antagonize neighboring Asian countries who’ve opposed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s bid to strengthen the role of its armed forces.

The aircraft is scheduled to make its maiden flight in the first quarter of 2016, Hirofumi Doi, a program manager at the Ministry of Defense, said in an interview in Tokyo. The plane, called Advanced Technology Demonstrator X, will then be handed over to the nation’s self-defense forces, which will start conducting their own tests, he said.

The plane made by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. will strengthen Abe’s military ambitions after he succeeded in pushing through U.S.-endorsed legislation to allow Japanese troops to fight in overseas conflicts, despite concerns abroad and at home. Japanese militarism is a particularly sensitive topic for China and South Korea because of the aggression they endured before and during World War II.


“The security environment around Japan is becoming increasingly complex and Japan needs to maintain air capabilities commensurate to those of other air forces in the region,” said Rukmani Gupta, an analyst in New Delhi at IHS Jane’s. “Should the ATD-X test be deemed successful, it is very likely that Japan will pursue production of a next-generation fighter.”

Missile Space
The 14-meter-long (46-foot-long) jet, equipped with engines from IHI Corp., will cost 40 billion yen ($324 million) to develop, Doi said. The ATD-X could become the basis for a new fighter jet to replace the nation’s F-2, said Takahiro Yoshida, a director in the ministry.

If Japan decides to make a fighter jet version, its engines would be about three times the strength of the stealth jet’s, and the plane would have enough space to store missiles, Doi said.

It’s not a given that Japan will go ahead with the project.


"These experimental fighters are an exercise in the realm of the possible," said Lance Gatling, head of aerospace consultancy Nexial Research. "In terms of international relations, it’s a bargaining chip. They can say: ’We did a credible job on this, we may just build our own if you don’t give us a better deal or you don’t give us a portion of the production in Japan.’"

Fifth Generation
IHI is supporting flight tests of the latest jet, said Yuki Takahashi, a Tokyo-based spokeswoman. Hideo Ikuno, a spokesman for Mitsubishi Heavy in Tokyo, declined to comment on the jet’s development.

The U.S., Russia and China have all built and flown stealth planes, known as fifth-generation jets, which are harder to detect by radar. Other countries such as India and Turkey also are developing stealth jets, according to Gupta at IHS Jane’s. South Korea and Indonesia are also investing in the joint development of a next-generation fighter aircraft, he said.

Japan will have a stealth fighter jet capability in coming years even without replacing its F-2s. The country placed an order for 42 of Lockheed Martin Corp.’s F-35 jets in 2011. The planes are the Pentagon’s costliest weapons program, and Japan will use them to replace jets made more than three decades ago.

The Japanese government will make a decision on a replacement for its F-2 fighter jets by the end of March 2019, Doi said.

“We’re building this in preparation for the development of a new fighter jet,” Doi said. “Neighboring countries are developing stealth jets and so this research is to allow us to understand what technology is needed for such a project.”

Japan Set to Test Stealth Jet as Abe Boosts Defense Focus - Bloomberg Business

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I actually think Turkey should look into a partnership with Japan, something similair to the Indian/Russian FGFA project. If you think about it that will be a really good choice, financially and technology this would be an extremely do-able project with a huge succes chance.
 
I actually think Turkey should look into a partnership with Japan

I know that Japanese code of honor standards are very high and we must show them some comparable.
They are not Russians , Chinese or poor Indians.
But if we have them once on our side, that would be good news. Stratfor
 
Japan is closing in on becoming the fourth nation to test fly its own stealth jet, a move that could further antagonize neighboring Asian countries who’ve opposed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s bid to strengthen the role of its armed forces.

The aircraft is scheduled to make its maiden flight in the first quarter of 2016, Hirofumi Doi, a program manager at the Ministry of Defense, said in an interview in Tokyo. The plane, called Advanced Technology Demonstrator X, will then be handed over to the nation’s self-defense forces, which will start conducting their own tests, he said.

The plane made by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. will strengthen Abe’s military ambitions after he succeeded in pushing through U.S.-endorsed legislation to allow Japanese troops to fight in overseas conflicts, despite concerns abroad and at home. Japanese militarism is a particularly sensitive topic for China and South Korea because of the aggression they endured before and during World War II.


“The security environment around Japan is becoming increasingly complex and Japan needs to maintain air capabilities commensurate to those of other air forces in the region,” said Rukmani Gupta, an analyst in New Delhi at IHS Jane’s. “Should the ATD-X test be deemed successful, it is very likely that Japan will pursue production of a next-generation fighter.”

Missile Space
The 14-meter-long (46-foot-long) jet, equipped with engines from IHI Corp., will cost 40 billion yen ($324 million) to develop, Doi said. The ATD-X could become the basis for a new fighter jet to replace the nation’s F-2, said Takahiro Yoshida, a director in the ministry.

If Japan decides to make a fighter jet version, its engines would be about three times the strength of the stealth jet’s, and the plane would have enough space to store missiles, Doi said.

It’s not a given that Japan will go ahead with the project.


"These experimental fighters are an exercise in the realm of the possible," said Lance Gatling, head of aerospace consultancy Nexial Research. "In terms of international relations, it’s a bargaining chip. They can say: ’We did a credible job on this, we may just build our own if you don’t give us a better deal or you don’t give us a portion of the production in Japan.’"

Fifth Generation
IHI is supporting flight tests of the latest jet, said Yuki Takahashi, a Tokyo-based spokeswoman. Hideo Ikuno, a spokesman for Mitsubishi Heavy in Tokyo, declined to comment on the jet’s development.

The U.S., Russia and China have all built and flown stealth planes, known as fifth-generation jets, which are harder to detect by radar. Other countries such as India and Turkey also are developing stealth jets, according to Gupta at IHS Jane’s. South Korea and Indonesia are also investing in the joint development of a next-generation fighter aircraft, he said.

Japan will have a stealth fighter jet capability in coming years even without replacing its F-2s. The country placed an order for 42 of Lockheed Martin Corp.’s F-35 jets in 2011. The planes are the Pentagon’s costliest weapons program, and Japan will use them to replace jets made more than three decades ago.

The Japanese government will make a decision on a replacement for its F-2 fighter jets by the end of March 2019, Doi said.

“We’re building this in preparation for the development of a new fighter jet,” Doi said. “Neighboring countries are developing stealth jets and so this research is to allow us to understand what technology is needed for such a project.”

Japan Set to Test Stealth Jet as Abe Boosts Defense Focus - Bloomberg Business

------------------------------------------------

I actually think Turkey should look into a partnership with Japan, something similair to the Indian/Russian FGFA project. If you think about it that will be a really good choice, financially and technology this would be an extremely do-able project with a huge succes chance.
Turkey wanted to cooperate about Tank engine for Altay, but seems like they didnt want to share it... Also, we dont know what they shared under the table.. Erdogan and Abe are very close.. They were allies a century ago..
 
This is beyond awesome! Holy crap i thought we were still several years away from this technology. Props to Tubitak's scientists and engineers!

İ dont think so, eventually we had to start Somewhere about it. Wè were also late but we can do it just keep focus and continue to work...
 
Turkey to acquire heavy lift airplane | TR Defence

Turkey’s Undersecretariat for Defence Industries, SSM, is preparing to issue an RfI for the acquisition of a freighter airplane, sources familiar with SSM’s aerospace procurement programs informed TR Defence on Wednesday.

The requirement was said to be for a single airplane at this time.

“[Turkey] needs this aircraft to haul heavy, precious cargo to long distances. For example, when we needed to transport our new reconnaissance satellite [referring to the Gokturk-1] to the TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries) facilities a few months ago for planned tests and most recently to ship a T-129 [ an attack helicopter] to an international defence exhibition. At the present time, we have to spend a lot of money and rent this service from the international market. The ability to meet this requirement nationally is quickly gaining importance,” stated the report.

Procurement model for the heavy freighter airplane is expected to be a direct purchase with minimal or no domestic industry involvement. RfI is expected to be issued following a long disputed general reelection scheduled for November 1st.

SSM will likely form a new company to be jointly owned with the private sector in order to operate the new aircraft and provide heavy shipping services worldwide while the aircraft is not in use by Turkey.
 
Turkish regional jet might be used for EW.


dassault-falcon-20-of-flight-refuelling-aviation-company-used-for-EGGYDY.jpg


Does the RAF Have or Need an Offensive Electronic Warfare Capability
Posted by Think Defence
Date: July 23, 2015
in: News
(18) Comments

Given Russian and China will sell complex integrated air defence systems to pretty much anyone, or at least use the threat of selling them, it strikes me that the low observability of the F35B and information integration using sources such as Sentinel and Air Seeker might not be enough to ensure success. Each platform like the Typhoon or F35 has its own protection systems but these are focussed on protecting the aircraft so that it can release its weapons and get back to base.

I had quick read of AP-3000 British Air and Space Doctrine and it covers Electronic Warfare (EW) in a couple of places;

Offensive counter-Air (OCA) Missions. OCA missions are offensive operations aiming to destroy, disrupt or degrade enemy air and missile threats, either by destroying them on the ground, or as close to their source as possible. Such operations may be pre-planned or immediate, and are conducted across enemy territory at the initiative of friendly forces. Pre-planned operations depend on continuous and accurate intelligence, while immediate operations are conducted against unexpected mobile and time-sensitive targets, where there may be only a small window available for attack. OCA includes surface attack operations, air-to-air missions the Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) and Electronic Warfare (EW).
It goes on to define ECM in the context of delivery Air Attack and Information Operations;

Electronic Warfare (EW) seeks control of the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum, both to enable friendly-force operations, and to deny an enemy the same degree of freedom
There is a lot of joint capability, the Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Centre (JEWOSC) at RAF Waddington, the NATO Joint Electronic Warfare Core Staff (JEWCS) at RNAS Yeovilton and the impressive facilities at RAF Spadeadam.

Joint-Electronic-Warfare-Core-Staff-JEWS-740x493.jpg

NATO Joint Electronic Warfare Core Staff JEWS
The RAF Spadeadam website provides a very good definition.

Electronic Warfare, or EW, is military action that involves the use of the electromagnetic spectrum to reduce or prevent the enemy using the electromagnetic spectrum. EW is used to enhance the survivability of aircraft and ground assets and improve mission effectiveness

And then subdivided this further into Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and Electronic Counter Measures (ECM);

ESM

Electronic Surveillance Measures (ESM), generally in the form of in-cockpit Radar Warning Receivers, gives aircrew warning of radars that are active in the area. Such Radar Warning Receivers inform aircrew of radar type, mode of operation and relative direction from the aircraft. Aircrew would then decide what Electronic Counter Measures and tactics to use to either avoid or defeat the threat radar.

ECM

Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) in the form of jamming or decoys used in association with tactical manoeuvring by aircraft may help to defeat the threat radar. RAF aircraft are equipped with jammers and chaff dispensers both of which are used to for ECM purposes. Chaff, known as Window during World War II, still has capabilities even against modern radar systems. Many aircraft also carry Infra-red flare dispensing systems to defeat Infra-red guided missiles, which home onto hot areas of aircraft such as the engines.

The United States Air Force has a more direct use of language, it defines Electronic Warfare as;

Electronic Warfare (EW) is waged to secure and maintain freedom of action in the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS)

As with the UK, this broad term is further subdivided;

EW consist of three divisions: electronic attack (EA), electronic warfare support (ES), and electronic protection (EP).

These differences are interesting in their own right.

Electronic Attack (EA) is the division of EW involving the use of electromagnetic (EM), directed energy (DE), or antiradiation weapons to attack personnel, facilities, or equipment with the intent of degrading, neutralizing, or destroying enemy operational capability. EA prevents or reduces an enemy’s use of the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS). It can be accomplished through detection, denial, disruption, deception, and destruction. EA includes lethal attack with assets like high speed antiradiation missiles (HARMs); active applications such as decoys (flares or chaff), EM jamming, and expendable miniature jamming decoys; and employs EM or DE weapons (lasers, radio frequency weapons, particle beams, etc.). EM jamming and the suppression of enemy air defenses(SEAD) are applications of EA

The aspect that is the main subject of this post is what the USAF called Electromagnetic Jamming.

Electromagnetic Jamming jamming is the deliberate radiation, reradiation, or reflection of EM energy for the purpose of preventing or reducing an enemy’s effective use of the EMS, with the intent of degrading or neutralizing the enemy’s combat capability. Early Air Force EW efforts were primarily directed toward electronically jamming hostile radars to hide the number and location of friendly aircraft and to degrade the accuracy of radar-controlled weapons. Currently, jamming enemy sensor systems can limit enemy access to information on friendly force movements and composition and cause confusion. Jamming can degrade the enemy’s decision-making and implementation process when applied against command and control systems. An adversary heavily dependent on centralized control and execution for force employment presents an opportunity for EA

In equipment terms, the US has a wide variety of equipment, as can be imagined. Not only will the F35 have extensive electronic attack capabilities but they will be joined by equipment such as the newly upgraded Northrop Grumman ALQ-131 EA jammer pod.



Of course, anything to do with the F35 attracts a great of controversy but I think there has been a general recognition that the F35 will not be ‘enough’ in some circumstances so the US Navy have their F18 Growlers that will be equipped with the very advanced Raytheon Next Generation Jammer replacing the ageing ALQ-99 pods. It is on time and budget so far and is planned for initial operating capability in 2020. Each Growler will have two of the self-contained active electronically scanned pods and what is interesting is the potential for the pod to incorporate cyber warfare and other electronic network intrusion capabilities.

Equally intriguing is its rumoured SIGINT capabilities.

Flight testing has recently taken place on a modified business jet.



Given that the NGJ is a podded solution Raytheon have stated it can be fitted to a wide variety of manned and unmanned aircraft.

We know the UK does not have any plans for equivalents to the MALD decoy and its jamming variant (MALD-J) or something like the EC-130 Compass Call.

So my question is a simple one, in two parts actually.

Does the RAF/RN have anything broadly equivalent to the NGJ or even an aspirational target for ‘electronic attack’ capability that would provide a similar collection of capabilities to the combinations of MALD, NGJ and Compass Call?

If not, is this a serious capability gap against a capable enemy and a future where we might not always be able to rely on Uncle Sam?
 
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