A major aviation and defense trade show in Tokyo is putting a spotlight on a next-generation fighter jet that Japan is developing with the UK and Italy.
Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and partners from the two other countries are hosting a booth at the 2024 Japan International Aerospace Exhibition. They are showcasing a one-tenth scale model of the fighter jet.
Representatives from the companies fielded questions from Australia and Southeast Asian countries on how the project is progressing.
The head of Mitsubishi’s program office, Sugimoto Akira, said the development of the fighter jet will provide opportunities for many Japanese companies.
“We hope this project gives Japanese suppliers a chance to contribute to the international equipment industry,” he said.
Japan’s government decided in March to allow exports of the fighter jet under certain conditions. This would mark a turning point in the country’s national security policy. Japan had virtually abstained from arms exports for decades.