Italy may join development of next-gen Japanese F-X fighter jet

The Japanese Ministry of Defence plans to involve Italian specialists in a project to develop a new generation of combat aircraft F-X of the Japan Self-Defence Forces.

The jets are planned to replace the F-2 multirole fighters currently in service, NHK reports.

The Italians have experience of cooperation in the technical field with the British, who are already involved in the development of the engine for the F-X. Therefore, the Japanese Defence Ministry wants to involve namely the Italian experts.

Work on the development of a combat aircraft engine began in January. From Britain, the ultra-luxury car manufacturing company Rolls-Royce is participating in the project, and from the Japanese side, the aircraft manufacturing corporation Ishikawajima Heavy Industries joined the project.

The main role in the development of the F-X fighter, which should replace the F-2 in the 2030s, is assigned to the Japanese Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Technical assistance will be provided by American Lockheed Martin. The cost of the project is estimated at 1.5 trillion yen ($10.6 billion).