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F-35 weaponry
Japan picks F-35 Lightning II as next generation fighter jet
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan – Japan has picked Lockheed-Martin’s F-35 Lightning II as its next generation fighter aircraft, a move that could help facilitate cooperation with U.S. forces amid Japan’s growing concerns over North Korea and China’s military growth.
Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa said Tuesday that his country would buy 42 F-35s worth an estimated $7 billion.
The announcement came a day after the Japan Self-Defense Force went on alert due to the death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il. At the same time, Japan and the U.S. are coming to terms with the rapid growth of China’s military, which released photographs of its own stealth fighter in January.
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan – Japan has picked Lockheed-Martin’s F-35 Lightning II as its next generation fighter aircraft, a move that could help facilitate cooperation with U.S. forces amid Japan’s growing concerns over North Korea and China’s military growth.
Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa said Tuesday that his country would buy 42 F-35s worth an estimated $7 billion.
The announcement came a day after the Japan Self-Defense Force went on alert due to the death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il. At the same time, Japan and the U.S. are coming to terms with the rapid growth of China’s military, which released photographs of its own stealth fighter in January.
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