Japan launches F-X fighter RFP

Japan has formally launched its F-X fighter competition by sending a request for proposals to three potential bidders.

Full story: http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/04/14/355568/japan-launches-f-x-fighter-rfp.html

So it’s between the F-35, SH and Typhoon. No F-15 Silent Eagle.

My guess is they will go for a US fighter; F-35 if they can wait that long and SH if they decide they cannot wait.

What do people think?