BAE Systems has submitted a bid to the Japanese government offering the Eurofighter Typhoon for the F-X requirement to replace Japan’s fleet of about 90 F-4EJ and RF-4EJs in the air defence role.
Led by BAE Systems, the bid is supported by the UK government, the Eurofighter consortium, and the Sumitomo Corporation.
“This cost effective proposal offers Eurofighter Typhoon, the world’s most advanced multirole combat aircraft, as Japan’s best option to meet the requirement for its F-X program and the most capable deterrent to regional threats,” Nigel Whitehead, BAE Systems group managing director – programs and support said. “The aircraft already has operationally proven multirole capabilities and through our ability to offer licensed production, maintenance and technology transfer, Japan can have sovereign control of manufacture, support and upgrade of Typhoon aircraft in Japan by Japanese industry. We are also able to offer software source codes and other data, giving Japan the ability to develop the aircraft itself to meet its own unique needs, now and in the future.”
The Typhoon is pitched against the Boeing F/A-18E Block II Super Hornet, and the Lockheed Martin F-35A JSF. A decision on the successful F-X contender is due in 2012, with service entry scheduled for 2017.
