Post by Admin on Aug 3, 2019 18:35:51 GMT
For Western Countries Only? Pentagon Set to Refuse Japanese Request for F-35 Partner Status Despite Massive Order
Japan’s armed forces have emerged as the largest foreign client for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 lightweight fifth generation fighter, and is planning to acquire 147 aircraft including 105 F-35A variants and 42 of the more expensive vertical takeoff capable F-35B variants. This will make Japan the largest foreign operator of the F-35A by a considerable margin, and represents a massive investment in the program by the northeast Asian state. Despite the size of its acquisition, Japan notably is not a partner in the F-35 program meaning it does not play a role in designing or have a say in the modernisation of the jet - and instead is considered an external client. On June 18th director general of the Japanese Defence Ministry’s the Bureau of Defence Buildup Planning Atsuo Suzuki reportedly sent a letter to the Pentagon’s head of acquisitions Ellen Lord requesting that Tokyo become a full partner in the fighter program. The letter states:
I believe becoming a partner country in F-35 program is an option. I would like to have your thoughts on whether or not Japan has a possibility to be a partner country in the first place. Also, I would like you to provide the Ministry of Defence with detailed information about the responsibilities and rights of a partner country, as well as cost sharing and conditions such as the approval process and the required period… We would like to make a final decision whether we could proceed to become a partner country by thoroughly examining the rights and obligations associated with becoming a partner country based on the terms and conditions you would provide.
I believe becoming a partner country in F-35 program is an option. I would like to have your thoughts on whether or not Japan has a possibility to be a partner country in the first place. Also, I would like you to provide the Ministry of Defence with detailed information about the responsibilities and rights of a partner country, as well as cost sharing and conditions such as the approval process and the required period… We would like to make a final decision whether we could proceed to become a partner country by thoroughly examining the rights and obligations associated with becoming a partner country based on the terms and conditions you would provide.
