Latest news with #F-35s
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Japan frets over fighter rollout target and weighs stopgap options, sources say
* Japan fighter project with Britain, Italy falling behind schedule, sources say * Stopgap options include F-35 purchases or upgrading older F-2s, sources say * Japan trade chief says could be arms purchases could be part of trade talks TOKYO, - Japan has growing doubts that its next-generation fighter project with Britain and Italy will meet a 2035 rollout target, potentially forcing Tokyo to plug air defence gaps with new U.S. F-35 stealth planes or upgrades to aging jets, two sources said. The joint Global Combat Air Programme established in 2022 is falling behind schedule due to a lack of urgency from Britain and Italy, which could push deployment beyond 2040, according to one of the sources. Both sources, who have knowledge of Japan's air defence discussions, were not authorised to speak to media and declined to be identified. Japan will need to begin planning soon if the GC is delayed to ensure it has enough jets to counter Chinese and Russian planes that regularly probe its air defences. While senior officials are discussing the possibility of buying more F-35s, Reuters was not able to learn if specific numbers or a timeline are under consideration. A swift decision to acquire more Lockheed Martin F-35s at around $100 million each could be a bargaining chip for Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in tariff talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. Japan's chief trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa will hold a fresh round of tariff talks with U.S. officials on Friday in Washington. Ishiba is also expected to meet Trump for their second in-person meeting in June at the Group of Seven leaders' gathering in Canada. "Japan's purchase of defence equipment would contribute to the U.S. trade surplus, so in that sense, it could be considered ," Akazawa told reporters on Thursday ahead of his departure for the U.S. capital. In 2019, in a move lauded at the time by Trump, then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered 105 F-35s, making Japan the aircraft's largest overseas buyer with a total of 147 on order. In a sign that Trump may again welcome Japanese purchases of U.S. military hardware, the Asahi newspaper reported that in a phone call with Ishiba on May 23, he discussed Boeing's planned F-47 fighter jet and encouraged his Japanese counterpart to consider U.S. aircraft. GC is an effort by Japan and its two European partners to build a next-generation fighter free from the operational restrictions that often come with purchases of U.S.-made military equipment. For example, buyers are often not allowed to do upgrades and maintenance without U.S. permission. The project is being led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan, BAE Systems in Britain and Leonardo in Italy. In Britain and Italy, GC will replace Eurofighter Typhoon jets that will be in operation until the 2040s. In Japan, it is meant to replace the F-2, a U.S. F-16 variant developed three decades ago by Mitsubishi Heavy and Lockheed Martin. Japan's concerns about a possible delay to GC's 2035 rollout stem from how much time is being taken to align each country's concept of how the aircraft will operate, said one of the sources. A spokesperson for the Japanese defence ministry's acquisition agency said the 2035 rollout target was unchanged, adding that the decommissioning of the F-2 is set to begin that year. "I am not aware of any plans to place additional orders for the F-35," he added. A British Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the three countries were focused on the project and were "making strong progress." The Italian defence ministry did not reply to a request for comment. Additional GC partners could include Saudi Arabia, which would bring funding and a lucrative market for the aircraft. Of the 147 F-35s Japan has ordered to date, 43 F-35As have been delivered while six F-35Bs, a short-take off and vertical landing variant, have been delayed, making more purchases a contentious issue. Japan could instead opt to extend the operational life of its older F-2 fleet through upgrades. "We have already paid for many items, and they haven't arrived. It's not right to be told to buy more when previous orders haven't been fulfilled," a senior ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
FPDA defence chiefs reaffirm pact's role in modern security
SINGAPORE: The Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), formed 54 years ago by the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore, remains relevant by adapting to contemporary security challenges, according to the member nations' defence chiefs on Thursday. In a joint statement, they said FPDA exercises have evolved to incorporate non-conventional elements such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief, complementing the regular conduct of large-scale conventional serials. The statement was issued following the 23rd FPDA Defence Chiefs' Conference (FDCC), hosted by Singapore at a hotel here on Thursday. Chaired by Singapore's Chief of Defence Force, Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, this year's conference included participation from his counterparts: Admiral David Johnston (Australia), General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar (Malaysia), Air Marshal Tony Davies (New Zealand), and Admiral Sir Tony Radakin (United Kingdom). The FDCC, hosted alternately by Singapore and Malaysia, serves as the highest professional military forum of the FPDA and a key platform for dialogue and exchange of views among defence chiefs. The previous conference, held in 2023, was hosted by Malaysia. During this year's conference, the defence chiefs discussed the importance of keeping the FPDA relevant and acknowledged its ongoing contribution to regional peace and security. 'In line with this, the defence chiefs reaffirmed conventional exercises as the cornerstone of FPDA cooperation, enhancing interoperability among member nations' militaries and strengthening multilateral ties,' the statement said. They also reaffirmed their continued commitment to the FPDA and its founding principles, emphasising its enduring relevance in an ever-changing security landscape. The defence chiefs said they look forward to Exercise BERSAMA LIMA 2025, which will feature high-end warfighting serials and next-generation assets such as Australia's F-35s and the United Kingdom's Carrier Strike Group. 'The inclusion of next-generation capabilities exemplifies the unity and strength of the FPDA and reaffirms the continued commitment of member nations to strengthening the operational value of FPDA exercises,' the statement added. At the conference, the defence chiefs also issued the FPDA Exercise Concept Directive 2025 and endorsed a five-year roadmap for the FPDA's advancement. The directive and roadmap will guide the development of FPDA exercises and initiatives, enhancing its capacity for both conventional and non-conventional operations. The defence chiefs also called on Singapore's Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing prior to the commencement of the FDCC.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
FPDA remains relevant in face of modern security challenges, say defence chiefs
SINGAPORE: The Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), formed 54 years ago by the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore, remains relevant by adapting to contemporary security challenges, according to the member nations' defence chiefs on Thursday. In a joint statement, they said FPDA exercises have evolved to incorporate non-conventional elements such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief, complementing the regular conduct of large-scale conventional serials. The statement was issued following the 23rd FPDA Defence Chiefs' Conference (FDCC), hosted by Singapore at a hotel here on Thursday. Chaired by Singapore's Chief of Defence Force, Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, this year's conference included participation from his counterparts: Admiral David Johnston (Australia), General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar (Malaysia), Air Marshal Tony Davies (New Zealand), and Admiral Sir Tony Radakin (United Kingdom). The FDCC, hosted alternately by Singapore and Malaysia, serves as the highest professional military forum of the FPDA and a key platform for dialogue and exchange of views among defence chiefs. The previous conference, held in 2023, was hosted by Malaysia. During this year's conference, the defence chiefs discussed the importance of keeping the FPDA relevant and acknowledged its ongoing contribution to regional peace and security. 'In line with this, the defence chiefs reaffirmed conventional exercises as the cornerstone of FPDA cooperation, enhancing interoperability among member nations' militaries and strengthening multilateral ties,' the statement said. They also reaffirmed their continued commitment to the FPDA and its founding principles, emphasising its enduring relevance in an ever-changing security landscape. The defence chiefs said they look forward to Exercise BERSAMA LIMA 2025, which will feature high-end warfighting serials and next-generation assets such as Australia's F-35s and the United Kingdom's Carrier Strike Group. 'The inclusion of next-generation capabilities exemplifies the unity and strength of the FPDA and reaffirms the continued commitment of member nations to strengthening the operational value of FPDA exercises,' the statement added. At the conference, the defence chiefs also issued the FPDA Exercise Concept Directive 2025 and endorsed a five-year roadmap for the FPDA's advancement. The directive and roadmap will guide the development of FPDA exercises and initiatives, enhancing its capacity for both conventional and non-conventional operations. The defence chiefs also called on Singapore's Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing prior to the commencement of the FDCC.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
NATO Ally Gains Ground With Stealth Jet Rivaling U.S.
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Turkey's first homegrown fifth-generation fighter plane, KAAN, from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), is generating increased global attention and buying interest, according to defense publications. Newsweek has reached out to Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for comment. Why It Matters Turkey's exclusion from the F-35 program in 2019 over its purchase of Russian S-400s accelerated its drive for strategic autonomy and potential competition with the U.S.-made F-35 and F-22. Turkey is already becoming an increasingly important exporter of drones. Turkey's rising role, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, could change global defense dynamics. Presentation ceremony of the National Combat Aircraft KAAN on May 1, 2023 in Ankara, Türkiye. Presentation ceremony of the National Combat Aircraft KAAN on May 1, 2023 in Ankara, Türkiye. Yavuz Ozden/What To Know Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Indonesia have shown interest in the KAAN fighter jet program, Mehmet Demiroglu, CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) said this week, according to the Bulgarian Military News. He added that the agreement phase has been reached with some countries, according to the Defense Mirror. According to TAI's website, KAAN achieves air superiority with long-range strikes, internal weapons, supersonic speed, and artificial intelligence enhanced combat power. It performed its maiden flight in February 2024. KAAN (King of Kings), Türkiye's 5th generation stealth fighter jet, taking off for its maiden flight earlier today. — Clash Report (@clashreport) February 21, 2024 Demiroglu announced earlier this year that both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have shown interest in the KAAN fighter jet project. While Saudi Arabia may be looking to acquire 100 jets, the UAE's interest lies in the program itself, with potential for joint platform development, according to Forbes. U.S. Curbs Alienate Allies The UAE's planned purchase of U.S.-made F-35s—following the signing of the Abraham Accords—was cancelled due to concerns about the UAE's military ties with China under the Biden administration. A recent report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) also noted that the UAE has been a major recipient of Chinese arms exports. Saudi Arabia, still distant from normalizing ties with Israel, signed $142 billion arms during Trump's recent visit, but uncertainty over F-35s is driving it to seek alternatives to American defense reliance. "This shift is driven by complex political dynamics, especially with US restrictions on the sale of advanced fighters such as the F-35 and Washington's prioritization of maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge," Ali Bakir, nonresident senior fellow with the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council's Middle East programs, wrote in January. Although Trump's Gulf allies have recently secured more arms deals, the U.S. is not viewed as the sole supplier. Arms restrictions have pushed other traditional U.S. allies such as Egypt, which borders Israel, to look to China for advanced fighter jets. What People Are Saying Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) CEO Mehmet, as quoted by the Defense Mirror: "Saudi Arabia has been interested for a long time, their interest is at the highest level right now. the Indonesian side is also doing well." What Happens Next Turkey's new fighter aircraft aims at replacing the Turkish Air Force's aging F-16s starting in the 2030s.
India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
Can attack from 50000 feet, landing like helicopter, US 5th Gen fighter jet F-35, it can beat even..., it is lethal due to....
F-25 US fighter jet (Image: F-35 Lightning II fighter jet: During the recent India-Pakistan tensions, the air superiority of the Indian Armed Forces was proved through Operation Sindoor that helped India neutralise several terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. In order to further strengthen its air superiority, India has also approved the indigenous development of fifth-generation stealth fighter jets under the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. The move will make India a more powerful force, putting it into a straight fight with the best aircraft of the world. However, one of the aircrafts that is still seen across the world as unbeatable is the American F-35 Lightning II aircraft. About F-35 Lightning II fighter jet The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is an American family of single-seat, single-engine, supersonic stealth strike fighters. Designed for both air superiority and strike missions, the fighter jet is seen as one of the best in the world. Can F-35 Lightning II beat Russian S-400 One of the much-talked about features of the aircraft is the sensor fusion technology, offering 360-degree battlefield awareness. Also, one of the features of the aircraft that has gained the most attention is its ability to evade advanced air defense systems like Russia's S-400, which was reportedly demonstrated in Syria. In addition to this, one of the features of the fighter-jet is its ability to do vertical takeoff and landing like a helicopter, making it more powerful. US considers permanent deployment of F-35 fighter jets in S Korea In another significant development on F-35 fighter jets, the US military is reportedly considering the permanent deployment of advanced F-35A radar-evading fighter jets to South Korea, a report by news agency IANS said. If the deployment is realised, it would mark a major addition to US air assets in South Korea, which consist mostly of older-generation F-16 fighter jets. For those unversed, F-35s have previously only been temporarily deployed for joint training. Also, readers should note that South Korea currently operates 39 F-35As and plans to acquire 20 more. Not to forgot, F-35s are considered to be capable of flying deep into enemy territory without being detected. (With inputs from agencies)
