Japan Diversifies Defense Partners, Chooses BAE for its Next Generation Fighter.
Mitsubishi and BAE break new ground in the new ASDF jet fighter program as Japan diversifies its defense partnerships.
Japan’s Defense Department has begun to specify details for creating a successor to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s (ASDF) F2 fighter jet. Government sources with knowledge of the project revealed on May 13.
Japan was previously considering Lockheed Martin for technological development support. However, eventually, major British air defense equipment manufacturer BAE Systems PLC and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd were selected to be the lead contractors.
