Japan has unveiled timeline for F-X program; Britain to help develop its engines

At a meeting of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, the Japanese Ministry of Defense has unveiled the timeline for the development of the F-X fighter.

Graphic: Japan Ministry of Defense

Media reports from Japan say the prototype will be ready in 2024 and the first limited production aircraft will roll out by 2030. The jet will start to replace the F-2 fighter in 2035.

It has also been determined that Britain’s role in the project would be to help develop the engines of the aircraft.

The aircraft main role will be air-to-air combat.