Battling U.S. for huge deal, Eurofighter woos Japan

The Associated Press takes a look at Eurofighter's attempts to woo Japan into purchasing the Typhoon as it's next fighter, as well as the hurdles the consortium faces in its attempts to do so.

VIDEO: Japan's second XC-2 transport makes its first flight

One year and a day after first flight of the first C-2 airlifter, Kawasaki Heavy Industries has completed the maiden flight of the second test aircraft. The second C-2 carries a tactical gray-blue camouflage scheme, unlike the white-red test colours on the first aircraft. Japan plans to order about 40 C-2s to replace the JASDF's Lockheed Martin C-130s and Kawasaki C-1s. The C-2 is similar in size to the Airbus A400M and is powered by two General Electric CF6-80C2K1F turbofans.

J-20 emergence re-ignites Asia's interest in the F-35

Even as new problems surface for the troubled JSF program, the unexpected appearance of the Chinese J-20 has reportedly re-ignited interest towards the F-35 from East Asia's air forces. According to Lockheed-Martin, Japan, Singapore and South Korea have recently held bilateral talks with the US government on potential F-35 sales.

Japanese Coast Guard retires last YS-11

After 23,233 flight hours without a single accident, the last YS-11 aircraft of the Japanese Coast Guard has been retired from the service. It will however continue to fly, this time with the Japanese Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF).

Gates suggest fighter options for Japan

American Defense Secretary has suggested Japan should consider either the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the F/A-18 Hornet and the F-15 Eagle for its next fighter during talks with the Japanese Defence Minister. Japan is taking stock of its defense hardware in the face of China's growing military might and assertive stance in the Pacific.

JASDF reports increase in close enounters with PLA aircraft

Japanese officials say Chinese military aircraft have started to approach JASDF aircraft close enough to identify with the naked eye. They add that air activities against Japan have been substantially stepped up since earlier this year, with JASDF scrambling against Chinese aircraft 44 times in 2010 as of 22nd Dec.

Mitsubishi to produce 40 UH-60Js under licence

Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) will produce 40 Mitsubishi/Sikorsky UH-60J search and rescue helicopters for the Japan air self-defence force, replacing 40 existing UH-60Js that have been in service since 1991. Eurocopter's EC725 and the AugustaWestland AW101 have also been considered, but dropped in favour of the Sikorsky product.

Japan requests installation and checkout of AEW equipment

Japan has asked the US to install and checkout Radar System Improvement Program (RSIP) onto its E-767 Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft, with Boeing the prime contractor. It has previously purchased the equipment for its four E-767s

PHOTO: F-15DJ at Keen Sword

(Click on thumbnail for high res image)
A Japan Air Self Defense Force F-15 waits to refuel just beyond the wingtip of a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 during bilateral air refueling training May 17. Kadena Airmen have provided air refueling training to JASDF F-15 pilots since 2003. This month, the two nations are working together again to certify about 20 JASDF pilots as they prepare to participate in an upcoming Red Flag exercise in Alaska. (Air Force/Tech. Sgt. Chrissy Best)

Japan eyes F-35s; gives up on more F-2s.

Japan has set its sights on procuring the F-35 fighter as Japan’s main next-generation fighter aircraft for the JASDF. The move will result in no more Mitsubishi F-2s being purchased for the JASDF.

Russian Air Force Flying Near Japan More Frequently

Japan has said that the Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) has responded to 149 alerts against Russian aircraft between April and September. During this period the JASDF has also scrambled against Chinese and Taiwanese aircraft, though on a smaller scale.

Japan to decide on Global Hawk

Japan is likely to decide by year-end whether to order Northrop Grumman's RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV. The standard Block 30 version is likely to be the version ordered, with an eye on Japanese sensors to be added in the future for missile defence.

Japan to terminate F-15J recon conversion contract

The Japanese Defense Ministry has decided not to allow Toshiba to delay the delivery of an F-15 converted into a reconnaissance platform. Negotiations are under way to cancel the contract, with the JASDF to continue using the RF-4EJ Phantoms in the reconnaissance role.

Flying high for 50 years: The intense world of the Blue Impulse pilot

The Mainichi Daily News looks at the life of a Blue Impulse pilot. The Blue Impulse are the aerobatic team of the Japanese Air Self Defence Force, flying the Kawasaki T-4 trainer.

JASDF F-4 replacement project stalls

The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force's F-X project to replace its fleet of ageing F-4 Phantoms has stalled due to a variety of conflicting circumstances.

RAF continues Pakistan flood relief; Japan to provide helicopters

The RAF is continuing its mission to provide relief supplies to victims of the Pakistani floods with C-17s and C-130s flying in essential aid, while Japan has announced that 200 personnel and 6 JASDF helicopters will join the relief efforts.