Tokyo: Japan is set to develop its own next-generation stealth fighter jets to reduce its dependence on foreign technology and counter similar moves by China and Russia, a news report said yesterday.
Japan, which wants to replace its ageing fighter fleet, has also made overtures to Washington on the possibility of purchasing the US F-22 Raptor stealth fighter.
However, the US Congress has repeatedly banned the sale of the plane to any foreign government, in an attempt to safeguard the country's advanced technology.
Japan's Defence Ministry now aims to test its own prototype stealth jet - fitted with a domestic engine, advanced control system and radar-jamming device - within five years, the Tokyo Shimbun newspaper reported, citing a budget plan submitted on Friday by the ministry.
A mock-up has already undergone preliminary ground tests in France, the report said. Friday's decision by the ministry to push ahead with the multibillion-yen project means developers will start working toward flight tests, with production in about 10 years, it said.
Less reliance
Japan hopes having its own domestic stealth fighter jet would mean less reliance on foreign governments for key military technology, the report said.
Homegrown stealth capabilities would also help Japan enhance its radar systems to counter regional rivals China and Russia, which are thought to be developing their own stealth jets, the paper said.
An official on duty at the ministry yesterday said he was unaware of the project. He refused to give his name, citing policy.
