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Japan's choice of the F-35 comes as a shot in the arm for Lockheed Martin's F-35 programme, which has been restructured twice in the past two years and is expected to boost the odds that South Korea will follow suit with its own order for 60 fighters. Japan will pay 9.9 billion yen per fighter including backup parts in the initial stage of procurement.
"This programme badly needed an endorsement like this, particularly one from a technically respected customer. But there are still many complications, especially price tag and work share demands," said Richard Aboulafia, an analyst with the U.S.-based Teal Group.
FORT WORTH, Texas, December 19th, 2011 -- The Japan Ministry of Defense has announced its selection of the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35 Lightning II as the Japan Air Self Defense Force’s (JASDF) next generation fighter aircraft, following the F-X competitive bid process. The F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant (CTOL) was offered by the United States government with participation from Lockheed Martin. The initial contract will be for four jets in Japan Fiscal Year 2012, which begins April 1, 2012.
"We are honored by the confidence the Japanese government has placed in the F-35 and our industry team to deliver this 5th Generation fighter to the Japan Air Self Defense Force," said Bob Stevens, Lockheed Martin chairman and chief executive officer. "This announcement begins a new chapter in our long-standing partnership with Japanese industry and builds on the strong security cooperation between the U.S. and Japan."
Global participation is a centerpiece of the F-35 program and essential for its success and affordability through economies of scale. The program is comprised of nine partner nations: the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark and Norway. The United Kingdom and Netherlands have ordered test aircraft, and Italy and Australia have committed long-lead funding for their initial operational aircraft. In October 2010, Israel selected the F-35A as the Israel Air Force’s next generation fighter and is scheduled to receive the F-35 through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales process.
The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th Generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Lockheed Martin is developing the F-35 with its principal industrial partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.
Originally posted by Cosmic4life
Crazy...
...why didn't they talk to the Russians to get a slice of PAK-FA T-50 action ??
The T-50 is clearly a better aircraft and will probably be a lot cheaper when it goes into full production IMHO.
I think this is more of a financial deal than a procurement of a viable weapon platform, corporate welfare for Lockheed.
Originally posted by algaedyne
Originally posted by Cosmic4life
Crazy...
...why didn't they talk to the Russians to get a slice of PAK-FA T-50 action ??
The T-50 is clearly a better aircraft and will probably be a lot cheaper when it goes into full production IMHO.
I think this is more of a financial deal than a procurement of a viable weapon platform, corporate welfare for Lockheed.
Each T-50 is expected to cost around $100,000,000 so the F35, regardless is considerably cheaper. Also the T-50 is really more comparable to the F22 with its twin thrust vectoring engines and super cruise ability. I find it somewhat amusing that before the Russians had thrust vectoring technology they claimed it was over rated and not the best way to maximize maneuverability. All of the 5th gen fighters have their strengths and weaknesses on paper and the F22 is the only currently deployed system so that is where my money will be for the time being. Of course it is American so as always; "haters gonna hate".