Sunday May 27, 2012

JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION

Japan formally selects F-35 as new fighter jet

National Dec. 20, 2011 - 05:45PM JST ( 54 )

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F-35 is the most expensive weapons programme in Pentagon history

Fact file on the US-built F-35 fighter jet

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54 Comments

1

NoripinheadDec. 20, 2011 - 03:58PM JST

Somehow this plane is looking sexier than before...
-1

Mirai HayashiDec. 20, 2011 - 04:06PM JST

I wonder if its going to be the VTOL version
0

T_rexmaxytimeDec. 20, 2011 - 04:20PM JST

Can the JDF modify the plane?
-1

Mirai HayashiDec. 20, 2011 - 04:24PM JST

@T_rexmaxytime

I think that the US pretty much locks those planes down, so that they can't ever be used against the US if they are captured
2

CosDec. 20, 2011 - 04:26PM JST

And tomorrow the same guys are going to tell Baby Kim to stop installing his wet fire-crackers canons. Wouldn't a Canadair with a water tank be more useful to water the next Fukushima ?

Can the JDF modify the plane?

They can customize it with Ultraman stickers.
0

WilliBDec. 20, 2011 - 04:34PM JST

So, they bought the turkey. Lets see if they get it in 2016... I doubt it.

Mirai Hayashi:

" I wonder if its going to be the VTOL version "

In the previous article about the topic it said it is not. They have ordered the airforce version, the (ahem) "cheapest" option.
0

ElvensilvanDec. 20, 2011 - 04:34PM JST

Can the JDF modify the plane?

Yes, and no. The JDF can modify the physical appearance of the plane, but not much of the internal components.]

They can customize it with Ultraman stickers

Or even advertisements using flame resistant stickers or paint.

Thing is, can Lockheed Martin fix the plane designs fast enough before the due date, or even before the project gets scrapped (refer to an older article).
0

nandakandamandaDec. 20, 2011 - 04:39PM JST

NOOOOO!!!!! :sigh: Is this where all my taxes will be going? More buck for the bang?
-1

Mirai HayashiDec. 20, 2011 - 04:45PM JST

@WilliB

the pictures in the article is misleading then because it has the VTOL engine right next to the plane. BTW, these planes are like 68million USD a piece...hardly cheap even for the less equipped version

Yes, and no. The JDF can modify the physical appearance of the plane, but not much of the internal components.

Wouldn't making any external changes (incl the ultraman stickers) compromise the stealth technology?
1

gyouzaDec. 20, 2011 - 04:48PM JST

Isn't the plane grounded in the US right now, or is that F-22?

It does look political, but honestly speaking, F4's still in service would seem to be a liability! Only the Wright Flyer is older!
-1

Lieberman2012Dec. 20, 2011 - 04:54PM JST

Sound choice. North Korea is still a freak show. Some foreigners in Japan might complain but Japanese don't listen to em thankfully
1

cactusJackDec. 20, 2011 - 05:01PM JST

"In November 2011, a Pentagon study team found 13 areas of concern remained to be addressed in the F-35..." check Wiki for details. This plane is far from being finished.
2

SushiSake3Dec. 20, 2011 - 05:23PM JST

Toys for boys worth $4 billion.

Just think what $4 billion could do for the people of Tohoku.
1

JapanGalDec. 20, 2011 - 05:33PM JST

So slick looking. Would love to touch one.
4

Shumatsu_SamuraiDec. 20, 2011 - 05:44PM JST

Just think what $4 billion could do for the people of Tohoku

Why stop there? Why not sell the entire military for scrap and save $40 billion a year? Oh wait, there's Russia, China and North Korea to worry about.....
0

Arthur DumbolovDec. 20, 2011 - 05:50PM JST

Why stop there? Why not sell the entire military for scrap and save $40 billion a year? Oh wait, there's Russia, China and North Korea to worry about.....

Only China and NK, give us a break please...
3

tokyokawasakiDec. 20, 2011 - 06:07PM JST

Can the JDF modify the plane?

You bet they can. You can expect an AKB48 version very soon.
-3

Kentaro75Dec. 20, 2011 - 06:10PM JST

This will be a good choice Jet for Japan to strike at China, the two Koreas and Taiwan is we are bullied and provoked. 42 is not enough, I expected at least 100 minimum.Current DPJ govement is too stingy with defence budget.
3

Elbuda MexicanoDec. 20, 2011 - 07:07PM JST

Taiwan?? Last time I checked, Taiwan loved Japan, no idea why Kentaro is so anti Asia, but this is a very typical Japanese problem, I do hope these planes fly and not just for show.
0

anglootakuDec. 20, 2011 - 07:13PM JST

It would counter attack the Chinese Chengdu Jet anyday
-1

bangerDec. 20, 2011 - 07:32PM JST

Once agian they are fored to buy to BS.over-hyped palne price went from 89 mil to 200 mil.if we see eceonomicall situation there are more better choice like EuroFighter.even rafale!
0

avengerDec. 20, 2011 - 08:00PM JST

The US installs software on equipment they sell. They can unleash bugs at any time bringing down a weapon used against them.
2

FoxieDec. 20, 2011 - 08:59PM JST

This new fighter jet will be absolutely vital against attacks from NK with MiG-29 (developed at the end of the 70's in the USSR) as well as the MiG-23 and -21, and the Su-28 all made in the 50's and 60's. It is a pity it will take so long to get here otherwise Japan could have easily destroyed those 2 missiles that were fired into the Sea of Japan yesterday, saving loads of fish. I just can't understand why our Sea Shepherd friends are not stopping the NK from killing all those innocent fish.
1

It"S MEDec. 20, 2011 - 09:02PM JST

Foxie.

Lets hope China don't hand over a few of their new J-20 Jets to the new NK leader. ;)
-3

LoveNotDec. 20, 2011 - 09:11PM JST

Japan on Tuesday chose the as-yet unproven F-35 stealth jet for its next-generation mainstay fighter, as North Korea provided a timely reminder of the region’s potential for instability.

USA always try to scare Japan with North Korea. I think Japan behaves like an idiot kid depending on the guidance of the USA.
-1
FoxieDec. 20, 2011 - 09:16PM JST

It'sMe: China would never place such exploding toys into kids hands. They might explode the other way.
- ModeratorDec. 20, 2011 - 09:18PM JST
  
  Back on topic please.
-1

YongYangDec. 20, 2011 - 09:29PM JST

What a waste of money.

@avenger: Yeah, that's right. Just like with the drone Iran plucked out of the sky...
-1

just-a-guyDec. 20, 2011 - 09:42PM JST

Remember this 'product' is unproven and it shall be the biggest 'fiasco' in the history of pentagon! But that doesnt matter, Japan cant say 'NO' as usual!
-1

KariHarukaDec. 20, 2011 - 09:57PM JST

@sushisake3

and think about the defensive measures we need to take to show we have the suitable firepower to respond to attacks from other countries. Most notably NK and China.
-1

LoveNotDec. 20, 2011 - 10:00PM JST

F-35 is the most expensive weapons programme in Pentagon history

hahahaha, usa are in need of customers for their weapons. Lets is stir some conflicts around the world, they think.
1

CrazyJoeDec. 20, 2011 - 10:14PM JST

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will build the airframe, IHI will build the engine and Mitsubishi Electric will build the radar and electronic equipment. The F35's will be produced in Japan under license.
-1

OssanAmericaDec. 20, 2011 - 10:20PM JST

Good choice but I still say Ja[pan needs to buy some F18s as a stop gap till then not to mention as a contingency for delayed delivery. On the other hand I suppose the Chengdu may not bereally operational till then either.
1

SerranoDec. 20, 2011 - 10:22PM JST

Get ready for a slew of delays and cost overruns.
0

m6bobDec. 20, 2011 - 11:05PM JST

I think this plane will not be ready and Japan should have also ordered the latest version of the F18 Hornet as an interim measure. China is not going to wait for Japan to equip itself in 3 - 4 yrs with the F35.
-3

smithinjapanDec. 20, 2011 - 11:49PM JST

" as North Korea provided a timely reminder of the region’s potential for instability."

So they chose an unstable plane that will cost obscene amounts of money when the government constantly reminds us that there is no money to spend and so they have to raise taxes. How appropriate that NK has to remind the Japanese government that they are asshats.
-1

just-a-guyDec. 20, 2011 - 11:58PM JST

The JSF program was too big that it couldnt be scrapped! A scandal and a tragedy that has been coverup too long! This is definately a welcome news when many naive countries placing high stakes over a product that will lead to 'regrets'!
1

HonestDictatorDec. 21, 2011 - 12:23AM JST

I'm kinda sad to hear this, but I guess JSDAF is desperate for new hardware. Don't plunk down cash on a product that is still working out bugs and kinks. Wait for the improvements to get it to at least 99% instead of 85%...
0

BurakuminDesDec. 21, 2011 - 12:36AM JST

I just read that my mob in Australia has ordered 75 of these things a couple years back. Let's just hope they don't start falling out of the sky when we take delivery - they seem bedeviled with problems before production has even begun.
0

Patrick HattmanDec. 21, 2011 - 01:37AM JST

This is a mistake. The F-35 is too expensive and has too many problems.

For a bit of reassurance in the "self-defense" department, with the great bulk of their defense already provided for by the U.S., Japan should procure a few dozen of the most up-to-date F-18 and use them as the dependable mainstay of their fleet the next decade or so.
-1

WilliBDec. 21, 2011 - 02:20AM JST

Patrick Hattman:

" This is a mistake. The F-35 is too expensive and has too many problems. "

That seems to be what most independent experts are saying. But they are not making the decision, politicians are. And politicians have no problem spending our money, but they do have a problem standing up to US political sales pressure.

That is why I predicted from the start that they would decide on this clunker.
-4

noriyosan73Dec. 21, 2011 - 08:05AM JST

Now Japan has the best it can afford. Send the Yanks and their families home. Close some bases and spend the money to rebuild USA.
-1

7solace9Dec. 21, 2011 - 09:14AM JST

Delivering a defective product would probably not be accepted as having fulfilled the F-35 contract, so the bugs will be fixed.

I suppose that awarding the contract right after the NK leader's death most likely relates mostly to domestic politics in Japan where heightened safety concerns will allow this to both comfort the public and allay potential criticism for the purchase. If the DPJ were pushovers, Futenma would have been built already without all the patient concern having been shown for the Okinawans. To the contrary, they tend to demonstrate themselves to be both reasonable and considerate because I think they understand that's the way of Life. As for any intermediate period, the US can practically guarantee protection for an indefinite period of time as long as they are not endangering Japan. Considering which, developing autonomy is essential for any nation, yet to let an interest in pure autonomy undercut the additional benefit of interdependence with allies would seem to be a myopic and ironic dysfunction for long term peace and safety. Anyway, yey! for cool tech and good J-USA relations.
0

2020hindsightsDec. 21, 2011 - 09:20AM JST

Toys for boys worth $4 billion.

Just think what $4 billion could do for the people of Tohoku.

Yeah, that money could fund a whole lot more whaling in the Southern ocean.
0

Star-vikingDec. 21, 2011 - 10:07AM JST

However, Ichikawa said he was confident the hardware would arrive in Japan by 2016.

“We have received assurances that the delivery will be made on time,” he said.

That is rubbish.
1

tokyokawasakiDec. 21, 2011 - 11:02AM JST

F-35 = Finished (hopefully) by 2035...
1

DotakunDec. 21, 2011 - 12:30PM JST

I wonder what kind of kickbacks were involved in this deal...
2

WilliBDec. 21, 2011 - 02:09PM JST

7solace9:

" Delivering a defective product would probably not be accepted as having fulfilled the F-35 contract, so the bugs will be fixed. "

We are not only talking about bugs, but about basic design flaws. And if I understand the article right, Japan has signed and order for a product with an open-ended delivery date and open-ended price tag.

Not something you wold do with your own money...
-2

rickyveeDec. 21, 2011 - 05:42PM JST

fighter jets are such a thing of the past. all future interceptors will be drones. what a waste of moolah!
0

FadamorDec. 22, 2011 - 12:55AM JST

I wonder if its going to be the VTOL version

The ones ordered by Japan are the F-35A model.

F-35A - Normal take-off and landing.

F-35B - Short/Vertical take-off and landing.

F-35C - Normal take off and landing with carrier-launch and arrester gear modifications.
-1

HonestDictatorDec. 22, 2011 - 12:57AM JST

So will they be recieving free repairs and upgrades for these F-35s or are they going to be charged for it?
1

FadamorDec. 22, 2011 - 01:04AM JST

fighter jets are such a thing of the past. all future interceptors will be drones. what a waste of moolah!

Fighters require situational awareness that just isn't possible with drones. Add to that the signal delay between the drone and the operator, and you'll find a drone doesn't stand a chance against a manned fighter. The next time some news program is doing a live feed from somewhere else in the world, make note of the delay between when the anchor asks a question and the reporter starts answering the question. That's the delay between when a drone would detect an enemy fighter changed direction, the operator issues an appropriate course correction, and the drone RECEIVES the course correction. That delay will be fatal for the drone EVERY TIME.
0

The Truth MattersDec. 22, 2011 - 05:55AM JST

For those saying the JADF can't modify the plane, I'd like to share a story. The US Navy shared with the JMSDF it's best Sonar, the SQR-19. The Japanese renamed it the OQR-1 and installed it on their ships. When I deployed with a US Navy Officer onboard JDS Kongou for an anti-submarine exercise, I had to get all of the specifics on their sonars so that I could plug the environmental data into and run sonar ranges. We had approximations, but not the exact numbers. When I went to Sonar control, my numbers were WAY off and I was told it was because the Kongou (it was the JMSDF's first AEGIS ship and it's flagship at the time) was running the OQR-2. When I reported this to my boss, we knew we had to report it to our superiors. As it was, we weren't kicked off the ship, but I wasn't allowed back into Sonar control and I never did get the numbers I needed. We used canned data for the exercise.

I don't know if the JMSDF altered the SQR-1 but it sure as hell looked like it at the time. If they could do it with our AEGIS tech, they will do it with our air tech too.
0

globalwatcherDec. 23, 2011 - 09:24AM JST

With a strong yen and too much trade surplus with US, this is exactly Japan needs to do.

Hopefully, Japan starts buying more sophisticated medical equipments such as "Cyberknife" and most updated PETSCAN, CATSCAN, MRI devices for many hospitals. I found Japanese hospitals are still using old equipments. You can afford them with a strong yen. You need to do it.