Mitsubishi F-X
Future Sixth-generation air superiority fighter / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Mitsubishi F-X (unofficially called F-3) is a sixth-generation stealth fighter in development for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). It is Japan's first domestically developed stealth fighter jet and will replace the Mitsubishi F-2 by the mid–2030s.[1] Its development is to also bolster the nation's defense industry and potentially enter the international arms market amid Japan's change in defense posture.[3] In October 2020, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was selected as the lead developer.[4]
| F-X | |
|---|---|
| |
| Concept design of F-X fighter | |
| Role | Stealth air superiority fighter Type of aircraft |
| National origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries |
| First flight | 2028 (planned)[1] |
| Introduction | 2035 (planned)[1] |
| Status | Merged into Global Combat Air Programme[2] |
| Primary user | Japan Air Self-Defense Force (planned) |
| Produced | 2024 (first prototype production planned)[1]
2031 (full-scale production planned)[1] |
| Developed from | i3 fighter Mitsubishi X-2 Shinshin |
On 9 December 2022 the governments of Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy jointly announced that they would develop and deploy a common fighter jet under a project called the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP); merging development of the latter two nations’ BAE Systems Tempest with the F-X.[5] In Japan, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will be the prime contractor, with IHI Corporation handling the engines and Mitsubishi Electric handling the electronics. In the UK, BAE Systems will handle the aircraft, Rolls-Royce the engines and Leonardo UK the electronics. Leonardo S.p.A. and Avio Aero will participate in the development from Italy, and MBDA will also participate in the missile development.
By around 2024, detailed development and cost sharing for each company will be clarified, and production will begin around 2030, with the first aircraft to be deployed in 2035. In addition, joint development with the United States will begin in fiscal 2023 for an unmanned aircraft accompanying the F-3.[6]