I think the F-22 is a possible future aircraft, but would it be the best option to replace the F-4 fleet? With the expensive price tag, the JASDF could only afford a small number, and certainly not enough to replace the F-4 fleet, which is close to 100 strong. The F-22 doesn’t have the multi-role capabilities of the F-4 at this point, and it still remains to be seen what A/G munitions the plane will be cleared for in addition to SDB and GBU-32.

I think the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet or the F-35 would be a great option with perhaps F-22’s following later on to replace the Eagle fleet as it gets ready to retire (which shouldn’t be much more than a decade after the F-4 fleet is gone).

The F-2’s should be around a while to fill in any gaps.

Strictly speaking the requirement for F4 is only 40-50 aircrafts for two units. The third unit of F4 in the support fighters will be replaced by F2. I thnik a lot of people has missed this point, although the F2 project has been cut short, there are actually enough F2 ordered to replace all three support fighter units.

Can I include a F-4EJ?

Honestly with a defence budget like Japan they could do better than this.

[QUOTE=Scooter]Sounds like we are back to the F/A-22? Possibly, a F/A-22J in JASDF Service? :cool:[/QUOTE

Most Japanese magazine I have read all predicted F-18E/F to be the winner as it is cheaper and technically less sensitive.

[QUOTE=JoeinTX]
The JASDF has been looking at with either newer versions of the C-130 or a domestic development, which is less likely.

Actually the replacment for the C1 is a domestic program called C-X. It has been given the offical go-ahead and mock up has been shown to the press already.

http://www.asagumo-news.com/graph/PXCX.html

I thought the F-4s were used as antishipping role?
why would you replace it with the F-22A air superiority fighter?

F-18E/F would’ve been a much better choice. Good compliment of electronics and very useful for antishipping. It can also provide Japan with an Carrier operable plane should Japan want to develope an carrier.

Actually according to the new Japan defence plan, the current structure of figther + support fighter will be gone. There will be no pure air defence units and all fighter will be used in a2a and a2g in the future. But this just a general guide line with no time table or what so ever.

We all know the Pentagon hides flaws in all its systems.

But I could not agree comment like “the plane will end up being shot down anyway why not buy something cheaper” neither.

Is the Typhoon team (led in Japan by BAe) teaming up with Japanese companies? Hope so. Perhaps a final assembly+source codes+100% offset offer could make it a strong contender?

According to that news article, the company representing Eurofighter is IHI – the group made most of the aircraft engines in Japan.