Japan to choose one domestic maker for new fighter production

Mitsubishi Heavy on shortlist to lead development of stealth aircraft

20200728 F-2

The F-2 Japanese Air Self-Defense Force fighter jet will be phased out by the new stealth fighter by around 2035. © Kyodo

Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- Japan's defense ministry will partner with only one Japanese company to lead the development of next-generation fighter planes, Nikkei has learned.

The selected company will develop and manufacture a replacement for the current F-2 jets as they begin to be decommissioned around 2035. It will coordinate all efforts with other companies from Japan and the U.S. as needed.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.