New era for Japan's defense sector? Mitsubishi Heavy leads charge

Homegrown fighter jet project brings hope to long-struggling industry

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will lead development of the replacement for the F-2, which will be decommissioned starting in 2035. (Photo courtesy of Japan's Air Self-Defense Force)

ANNU NISHIOKA and AZUSA KAWAKAMI, Nikkei staff writers

November 4, 2020 11:58 JST

TOKYO -- Long relegated to producing U.S.-developed aircraft on contract, Japan's defense industry is aiming to turn the page by building a homegrown fighter jet under the lead of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.