Non-Subscriber Extract
Japanese MoD maintains plan to pursue F-22
By Jon Grevatt and Craig Caffrey
07 January 2009
The Japanese Ministry of Defence (MoD) has dismissed reports that it is prepared to drop plans to evaluate the F-22 Raptor fifth-generation air superiority fighter as part of its programme to procure next-generation (FX) fighters for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
Media reports from Japan have quoted government sources as saying that the MoD will abandon efforts to seek access to the aircraft's technologies and performance data in light of increasing budgetary pressures on the F-22 programme in the United States and the continuing ban on its export.
A spokeswoman from the Japanese MoD told Jane's on 6 January, however, that "the situation has not changed and there has been no change in policy".
Japan stated on numerous occasions throughout 2008 that it is seeking access to information about the F-22 in order to review its performance before selecting an FX aircraft to replace its ageing fleet of 80 Mitsubishi/McDonnell Douglas F-4EJ fighters.
In addition to the F-22, the MoD's shortlist includes Dassault's Rafale; Eurofighter's Typhoon; Boeing's F/A-18E/F and F-15FX; and Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.