The Japanese defence industry has been unshackled from the national policy of pacifism and has received the much needed impetus to develop weapon systems and military aircraft.
ON FRIDAY, APRIL 22 this year, the Advanced Technology Demonstrator (ATD) X-2 ‘Shinshin’, designed, developed and manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Japan’s largest military contractor, completed its maiden flight successfully. The ATD X-2 which reflects the growing ambitions of the Japanese aerospace major, is the prototype of a stealth combat aircraft, the first such platform to be made in the country. As its name suggests, the X-2 is only a technology demonstrator.
Further research and development by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) on the X-2 will follow in the years ahead with the ultimate aim of producing by 2030, a new stealth fighter of the sixth-generation for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) which will possibly be designated as the F-3. This may involve collaboration with the US aerospace industry, a decision that is yet to be taken. Concept designs of this future aircraft indicate two possible options; one has striking similarity to the F-22 Raptor and the other appears to be a tail-less delta, somewhat similar in appearance to the Boeing F-A-XX, a fighter version of the supersonic B-2 bomber. The X-2 being only a technology demonstrator will not be mass produced. The final version developed from the ATD X-2, the F-3 will, in all likelihood, be completely different in appearance and characteristics.
There is however considerable uncertainty in the project at this point in time. As per the Ministry of Defense of Japan, the final decision on whether the stealth fighter would be developed domestically or in collaboration with a global aerospace major in all likelihood from the US is yet to be taken. If things do not proceed at a satisfactory pace for some reason, Japan may opt to procure a contemporary combat aircraft product from abroad, once again possibly from the US.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 2016 من SP’s Aviation.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 2016 من SP’s Aviation.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
'ZEITENWENDE' - THE TURNING POINT!
In an exclusive interaction, Chief of Luftwaffe (German Air Force) Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz speaks with Consulting & Contributing Editor Manish Kumar Jha, in New Delhi on a comprehensive range of issues concerning German forces' modernisation, NATO's role, military acquisitions, and Germany's presence in the Indo-Pacific building a new era of military cooperation with India.
REWRITE THE RULE BOOK
The success of the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024 hinges on the Ministry of Civil Aviation's ability to translate its vision into reality through efficient administration and regulation.
DRIVING SUSTAINABLE AND ADVANCED AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES
Over seven decades of FIA, the airshow still remains significant, underscoring the industry's collective drive towards sustainability, Al-based solutions, advanced air mobility, strategic partnerships, significant orders and groundbreaking technologies
STEERING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The UDAN scheme has been a game-chan¢ger for India’s aviation industry, democratising air travel, stimulating economic development, and fostering regional connectivity becoming a cornerstone of India’s aviation strategy
THE HIGH-FLYING PATH TO A $5 TRILLION ECONOMY
A robust commercial aviation sector is propelling the Indian economy forward by serving as a catalyst for economic growth, driving tourism, trade, employment, and infrastructure development.
ROLE OF THE IAF IN NATION BUILDING
IAF's global reach to ensure India's ability to conduct defence diplomacy and humanitarian operations, highlight its crucial role in safeguarding and supporting the nation way beyond the traditional military functions.
EXPANDING INDIA'S GALACTIC HORIZONS
India's space economy is set for significant growth as the nation continues to be a major global player, driven by momentum in the private sector, new industry entrants, substantial investments, and supportive policy initiatives.
PRATT & WHITNEY EXPANDS INDIA OPERATIONS
New center will employ 150 aerospace experts and drive customer service and operations support
ADVANCING THE INDIAN AIR FORCE TRAINING CAPABILITIES
A new chapter has been introduced in the history of the Indian Air Force (IAF) with the inauguration of the Weapon Systems School (WSS) by Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), at Air Force Station Begumpet, Hyderabad on July 1, 2024.
PIPER J-3 CUB: TRUSTED TRAINER
When the Civilian Pilot Training (CPT) programme was established in anticipation of US involvement in World War II, the Piper J-3 Cub was chosen as the primary training aircraft. Ultimately, 75 per cent of all CPT pilots trained on a Cub
