Japan has decided to make the F-35 stealth jet the next mainstay fighter of the Air Self-Defense Force. The Security Council reached the decision at a meeting attended by Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on Tuesday. 

The Cabinet then approved the move. The F-35 is under development by nine countries, including the United States. The Defense Ministry says the fighter is equipped with advanced stealth functions.

It was the only fifth-generation fighter among the three planes that were under consideration, according to Japan's (NHK World) website.

The F-35 is also said to be equipped with the ability to streamline data with ground radar facilities and Aegis-equipped destroyers. The government will earmark funds in fiscal 2012 to take delivery of four planes by fiscal 2016. 


It also plans to acquire 42 of the fighters over the next ten years or more. The two other fighters that had been under consideration were the US-made FA-18 and the Eurofighter, which was developed by four European countries. 

Defense Minister Yasuo Ic
hikawa told reporters that the F-35 received the highest marks after a fair and strict assessment. He said emphasis was placed most on adaptability, as the security climate is changing and Japan wants fighters that are capable of properly addressing it. Ichikawa added that Japan has secured a promise that the planes will be delivered on time.
Source: BNA