US to sell 105 F-35 stealth fighters to Japan

[Zarvan]

105 F-35 stealth fighters Photograph AFP )
Jul 10, 2020, 08.27 AM (IST)
The United States has approved the sale of 105 F-35 stealth aircraft to Japan for an estimated $23.11 billion.

Japan had asked to buy 63 F-35A, the traditional version of the electronics-laden fighter aircraft, and 42 F-35B, the short-takeoff and vertical-landing version for aircraft carriers.

Washington approved the transaction, which will improve "the security of a major ally" in the Asia-Pacific region, the statement noted.


"It is vital to US national interest to assist Japan in developing and maintaining a strong and effective self-defense capability," the State Department added.

Japan's 2020/2021 defense budget is a record $50.3 billion, aimed at funding purchases of fighter jets and missile defense as the country eyes the threat from North Korea and China.

Japan has decided to acquire a total of 105 F-35A aircraft over the next decade, in addition to 42 F-35B aircraft.

At the end of 2018, the Japanese government approved a five-year defense plan that includes the entry of two aircraft carriers into its arsenal -- a first since the end of World War II.

https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to...to-japan-312123/amp?__twitter_impression=true

 

[Yaseen1]

u.s will earn good money from japan who are one of the best economy in world and can afford such expensive weapons and also it helps them to contain china so double benefit for them but japan is at disadvantage as it will slow down their indigenous program and cost them billions

 

[KAL-EL]

That’s great news!

 

[striver44]

all the best to japan.

 

[dr.knowhow]

u.s will earn good money from japan who are one of the best economy in world and can afford such expensive weapons and also it helps them to contain china so double benefit for them but japan is at disadvantage as it will slow down their indigenous program and cost them billions

Not the case at all. They've got the money to do things in parallel. Never underestimate the capabilities of 3rd largest economy in the world. They've already allocated budgets for their F-3 development program and has set plans to start production by 2031 and deployment by 2035. They've already spent more than 2 billion dollars on R&D.

Also, F-35 is state of the art Fighter. They are nowhere near on disadvantage regarding their future capabilities.

 

[IceCold]

The same country that once destroyed Japan with nuclear weapons, in fact the only country to use nuclear weapons on a non nuclear country is now going to assist an ally. Japan needs to redefine the definition of ally.

 

[striver44]

The same country that once destroyed Japan with nuclear weapons, in fact the only country to use nuclear weapons on a non nuclear country is now going to assist an ally. Japan needs to redefine the definition of ally.

well , china could sell those J20 jets if they want to be seen as allies. I'm sure Japan would love to have their hands on one

 

[LeGenD]

Japan flexing its muscles full time.

Honestly; I want to see REVIVAL of Japan. Beautiful nation and people.

 

[IceCold]

well , china could sell those J20 jets if they want to be seen as allies. I'm sure Japan would love to have their hands on one

At least China isn't pretending.

 

[KAL-EL]

Japan flexing its muscles full time.

Honestly; I want to see REVIVAL of Japan. Beautiful nation and people.

I 100% co-sign this.

I think Japan should be armed to the teeth.