Fighter aircraft operated by "aircraft carrier" escort ship to F35B Ministry of Defense Aug. 16 20:40
The Ministry of Defense selects the state-of-the-art stealth fighter "F35B" made in the United States that can take off on a short runway and land vertically, as a fighter aircraft that is supposed to be used on a Maritime Self-Defense Force escort ship that is effectively "aircraft carrier" Announced. The Ministry of Defense plans to purchase a total of 42 aircraft.
The defense plan outline and medium-term defense plan developed in December last year include a policy to introduce a fighter that can take off on a short runway and land vertically. We have been selecting models since the month.
As a result, we selected the state-of-the-art stealth fighter “F35B” of Lockheed Martin of the United States and announced it on the 16th, saying that “we meet all necessary performance such as flight capability”.
According to the Ministry of Defense, "F35B" will cost approximately 14 billion yen per aircraft, and a total of 42 will be purchased.
The Ministry of Defense expects to refurbish the “Izumo” type destroyer of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, proceed with de facto “aircraft carrier”, and operate “F35B”.