HEY, BIG SPENDER: With massive F-35 increase, Japan is now biggest international buyer.
Tokyo previously planned to procure 42 F-35A models. However, a source close to the program confirmed that Japan will be adding 63 F-35A models, as well as 42 F-35B models, for a total of 147 F-35 fighters.
The announcement, anticipated for weeks, was rolled out as part of Japan’s new defense plan Tuesday.
The package would make Japan second only to the United States in terms of procured F-35s, with the United Kingdom (138 total fighters) now third. Japan also becomes the fourth user of the “B” model, joining the U.S. Marine Corps, the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force and the Italian Navy.
I’m very curious to know what modifications Japanese engineers make on the platform, assuming they ever tell.
See also: Why Israel’s Stealth F-35I Is Truly One of a Kind.