
Reuters has reported the company has discussed the concept with Japan Self Defence Force officials, and, subject to approval by the US Government, is planning to make a formal proposal in response to a Japanese RFI.
“We look forward to exploring options for Japan’s F-2 replacement fighter in cooperation with both the Japanese and U.S. governments,” a Lockheed Martin spokeswoman told Reuters.

Japan has ordered 42 F-35As to replace its F-4EJ Phantoms, and the majority of its F-35s will be built at a final assembly line (FAL) in Japan. But it also has a requirement for a higher performance and longer-ranging fighter to replace the Boeing F-15J and Mitsubishi F-2 next decade to counter a rapidly improving and emboldened Chinese PLAAF.

The indigenous effort was initiated after the US refused to sell the F-22 to close allies including Japan. A law passed by Congress in 1997 prevents the export of F-22 technology from the US.
F-22 production ceased in 2011 with only 187 of an original USAF requirement of 750 aircraft being built, and most of the tooling was subsequently destroyed.
VIDEO – CNN reports on the first flight of the Mitsubishi X-2, published on YouTube.