Japan to be offered F-22/F-35 hybrid – report

Lockheed Martin is reportedly in discussions with Japan about developing a new fighter which would combine capabilities of the F-22 and the F-35.

Lockheed Martin is reportedly in discussions with Japan about developing a new fighter which will integrate the kinematic capabilities of the F-22 Raptor with the advanced sensor and communications suites from the F-35 Lightning II.
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. (Lockheed Martin)

“Our leadership and experience in 5th generation aircraft can be leveraged to cost-effectively provide capabilities to meet Japan’s future security needs.”
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.

Development of the Mitsubishi X-2 is reported to have stalled. (Japan MoD via Wikipedia)

Efforts to develop an indigenous Japanese fifth-generation fighter under the nascent F-3 program resulted in the Mitsubishi X-2 Shinshin prototype being flown in 2016, but this project is believed to have stalled due to the high cost of going it alone.
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.