Ramona Adams
Japan is considering using an existing U.S. or European fighter aircraft design for its future F-3 fighter planes, Reuters reported Thursday.
Anonymous sources told the publication that Japan’s third request for information on potential F-3 designs was sent only to foreign companies based in the U.S. and Europe.
Japan also issued separate documents to the U.S. and British governments to support a possible international cooperation.
“We are considering domestic development, joint development and the possibility of improving existing aircraft performance, but we have not yet come to any decision,” said a Japanese defense ministry representative.
The Asian country could use such airframes as the Lockheed Martin-built F-35 Lightning II jet; the Boeing-made F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft; and the Eurofighter Typhoon plane, which is produced by a European consortium.
