During a visit to the United Kingdom last year, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his British counterpart Boris Johnson agreed to cooperate on future fighter programmes. They are expected together to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation for future technology sharing and cooperation on missile and aircraft programs. Japan also revealed details of its next-generation fighter. This is the first time in 40 years that Japan has been responsible for the development of a fighter craft.
The Nikkei newspaper reported details of Japan’s 6th-generation fighter. This aircraft is scheduled to enter service 2035. The aircraft will use stealth technologies, optionally manned, and display high levels of manned-unmanned teaming. The aircraft will travel at hypersonic speeds. Hypersonic weapons are difficult to track and cannot be recalled once they are fired. The super-cruise engine will enable the aircraft to fly at unbelievable speeds.
The aircraft will be equipped with a bonded framework, which means that its structure is bonded together. This will allow for a reduction in the aircraft's weight. The aircraft will also have a reduced weight and a longer operational range. It will likely have avionics and engines from Japan, as well as a British-developed powerplant.
The UK and Japan partnership will include joint development of an air/to-air missile programme. Japan has conducted extensive research in the area of component technologies, and they will likely work with British company BAE Systems. BAE Systems is a top aerospace and defense company. They are experts in electronic warfare and will likely work with BAE Systems to develop data technology for military planes.
Japan is planning to launch series production in 2031 of F-X, a program that has existed since the 1950s. The aircraft is expected to cost around 5 trillion Japanese yen, which amounts to approximately $48 billion. Japan plans to build around 90 of these aircraft and deploy the fighter by 2030.
The integrated bonded structure of the aircraft will be made up of composite materials. This will help reduce weight and provide greater flexibility for air base operations. Heat shields will be installed on the aircraft. The aircraft will also be capable of advanced digital capabilities as well advanced AI capabilities. The aircraft will have advanced networking systems as well, Gallium Nitride (GaN), and AESA Radars.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will develop the F-X program. It will be created in Japan. This program is illustrated by the company's stealth aircraft X2, which flew its first flight in April 2016. It is a high tech aircraft featuring three-dimensional vectored thrust control, flyby optics and an advanced 3D vectored throug control system. It also represents the first experimental demonstration of stealth technology.
Other companies will be involved in the UK-Japan collaboration, including Northrup Grumman as well as Rolls Royce. These companies have extensive expertise in the development of air-to–air missiles and electronic warfare technologies, and they will be working with the Japanese company on a powerplant.