Japan’s F-X prototype to fly in 2028

New information from Japan’s Ministry of Defense has revealed the timeline of the F-X program. The successor to the F-2 will begin construction in 2024 and make its maiden flight in 2028.

Graphic: Japan’s Ministry of Defense

The aircraft will start ground testing in 2027 and the first low-rate initial production jet will be manufactured from 2031. The entire development program is to be completed by 2035 in order to start replacing the F-2.