Forum: Program and politics

geogen wrote:

And to hb_pencil...

Yes, Japan would likely have it in their respective interests to see the Euro 'propped up' as you say. But any real mid-term effect on the dangerously high Yen's valuation would likely need to be secondarily coupled with some form of direct, decisive intervention too (eg, higher than 76 Yen to the dollar), such as the SNB did with the Franc.

If you had even the most basic of knowledge about the subject, then you'd know that the BoJ has spent something on the order of $200 billion dollars in the past four months on currency interventions.

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geogen wrote:

1st503rd,

I tend to concur with this view that Japan might be 'rushing' too quick into a high-end F-4 replacement Program. Not only Japan, but perhaps Korea too. It's not so much that a particular Air Force shouldn't be replacing F-4 with a much more modern replacement - note India replacing Mig-21 with either Rafale or Euro Fighter - but rather, the timing could indeed be better exploited cost-effectively... with various combinations of interim and creative stopgaps with a revised strategy to upgrade in a more sustainable, flexible and consolidated fashion within about 8-10 yrs.

Regarding the FA-50, or even TA-50... I've too supported that possible alternative stopgap as just one solution to fill certain interim requirements for a few Air Forces actually.

And to hb_pencil...

Yes, Japan would likely have it in their respective interests to see the Euro 'propped up' as you say. But any real mid-term effect on the dangerously high Yen's valuation would likely need to be secondarily coupled with some form of direct, decisive intervention too (eg, higher than 76 Yen to the dollar), such as the SNB did with the Franc.

To that end, Japan would likely need to cut deals on many levels in order to gain support and understanding for survival. Not to say that swatch watch isn't as important as say Toyota, but nonetheless, Japan needs a more normalized currency valuation ASAP... which for comparison sake, is nowhere the same as say, Beijing wanting to keep the Yuan down so as to maintain her cheap exports, etc.

And btw, it's news to me if Typhoon is now 'out'.

Geogen. You could be right concerning Japan. Not sure about, but the Japanese economy hasn’t been growing the last 20 years? Plus all the money that will be needed, after the disaster with their atomic reactors.

Or the Typhoon is out? We don’t know, but to some extend would Japan possibly choose the Typhoon, on exactly the same grounds, as India? Or as Brazil for instance Gripen and Rafale?

Both countries, India and Brazil, intend to develop their own aviation industry. My interpretation is; the best offer is not a best jet for a best prize, but who offers the best deal concerning knowledge to arrange their goal. (Surely, of course knowledge is also important for Japan).

Wasn’t this also the case with Turkey concerning the F16? A more expensive F16, than build in the US, because they did want a production line in Turkey?

Would it be wise for Japan choosing the Typhoon, while the jet in the UK will have been phased
out in 2030? The last Typhoons for Japan will be delivered somewhere may be between 2020-2025.

Operational, I suppose, it could be quite important for Japan having a same kind of jet flying in the Pacific (F35, F18 or whatever) as their main alley the US, as well as their alley Australia?

Personally I don’t see a Typhoon, 4th generation flying some 30-40 years (after 2020), at some time, competing some may be ten years or more, with also 6th generation jets (if they ever will be build)
In that case, one will have a situation like a F4 Phantom (3rd generation) versus the F22, F35 or Russian and Chinese 5th generation jets.

The Typhoon is quite a expensive jet. In the long term, as far I can see, may be even more expensive than a F35, because the jet will be out dated at some time, while the F35 still can soldier on for some years.

Eurofighter loses ground against F-35 in Japan contract race By Julian Ryall, Tokyo | 13 Nov 2011

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/news ... -race.html

"Defence analysts monitoring the three-way dogfight for the multi-billion contract say Tokyo has been impressed with the stealth technology of the Lockheed Martin F-35, which will enable it to carry out clandestine monitoring of Chinese, North Korean and Russian military assets in the region.

It also remains indebted to Washington for the assistance the US military provided in the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake.

"Even before March 11 there were many factors in favour of the F-35, but since then that national security relationship between the two governments has become much closer," one analyst with knowledge of the bidding told The Daily Telegraph...."

Looks like Japan is close to choosing the winner of it's F-X competition. The F-35 has been tipped as the winner.
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/ ... el=defense

Good. The F-35 is exactly what Japan needs. Not only is it more advanced with more growth potential than the SH but it will also lower per unit costs of F-35 and strengthen Japan's defenses against the mounting Pac Rim threat.

tacf-x wrote:

Good. The F-35 is exactly what Japan needs. Not only is it more advanced with more growth potential than the SH but it will also lower per unit costs of F-35 and strengthen Japan's defenses against the mounting Pac Rim threat.

Agreed. Very good news IMO! Very Happy

The more F-35's made and sold the lower the unit price will be. And considering Japan was one of the countries that wanted the F-22 Raptor (if my memory serves me correctly) I agree with weez this is good news all around (if Japan in fact picks the F-35). But that seems to be all the buzz right now. See http://aviationintel.com/?p=4591 for one example. And other than the fact that it's available now, I also agree with tacf-x that it's a better "fit" for Japan than the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (stealth,and better range to name but two reasons).

So it's the F-35A or F-35C that was pitched to Japan? They would do well with either version, but I could see them asking for something unique amongst F-35 users. Maybe the F-35C with the A's gun and using the extendable probe augmented with the original receptacle for aerial refueling. This will ensure compatibility with both KC-767J and their C-130H with the Cobham air-to-air refueling pods installed.

F-35A (and P&D can be added just like the Norwegian and Canadian F-35As).

This has to be some sort of a record.. RFP issued around 8 months ago and a winner soon to be announced. Leave it to the Japanese to show that big ticket bidding processes need not be cumbersome, long drawn-out exercises in bureaucracy. Kudos to them.

It looks like a slamdunk for the F-35, blowing the competition out of the air. I believe this bodes well for the eventual acquisition of the F-35 by the South Koreans. No way they want to be 2nd best to their neighbors.

http://defensenews.com/story.php?i=8553 ... &s=TOP

Looks like LM will be the big winner in Japan.

"Japan's biggest daily said the Defense Ministry had "agreed in principle" to select the F-35, with a formal announcement expected Dec. 16 at the Security Council of Japan, chaired by Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda.

Kyodo News cited unnamed government sources as saying the ministry had decided to buy 40 F-35 fighters, while the Nikkei business daily said only that the jet remained a "prime candidate.""

http://www.japantoday.com/category/nati ... nouncement

I personally have no hope that this project will ever be able to get airborne with an affordable price..

From the 'duplex' news report URL here is the news.... "...and the arresting hook landing gear for the aircraft carrier version of the plane. The hook has failed to work properly in test landings on carriers...." Hmmm.....

Should have posted this news earlier but thought at that time 'what the hell' - so here it is - now:

Japan decision on F-35 jet now seen next week 14 Dec 2011 REUTERS
(Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka and Andrea Shalal-Esa; Editing by Maureen Bavdek)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/ ... I220111214

"Reuters) - The Japanese government has delayed a formal announcement on its choice of a next-generation fighter jet until December 20, according to two sources familiar with the process, but Lockheed Martin Corp's (LMT.N) radar-evading F-35 is still expected to get the order.

The delay came because Japan's national security council, chaired by Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, has to deal with other pressing matters at a December 14 meeting where the fighter jet decision had initially been expected, said the sources, who were not authorized to speak on the record.

But the delay did not mean any change in Japan's commitment to buy Lockheed's F-35 fighter, one of the sources added.

Japan's government and ruling party officials have approved a Defense Ministry proposal to buy Lockheed's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter as the country's next mainstay fighter, public broadcaster NHK said on Wednesday...."

More at the jump of course.

Boeing: Super Hornet still in play.

".... both Japan’s defense minister and secretary general of it’s armed forces have denied that the F-35 has won."

Read more: http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/12/16/boein ... z1giZbvNZN
DoDBuzz.com

maus92 wrote:

Boeing: Super Hornet still in play.

".... both Japan’s defense minister and secretary general of it’s armed forces have denied that the F-35 has won."

Read more: http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/12/16/boein ... z1giZbvNZN
DoDBuzz.com

I am not surprised...Why should anyone order a fighter without the slightest idea about when it will be available and most important of all, how much it will cost?
Japs should go for the SH... At least they know what they will get for their money.

Forum: Program and politics

F-35s for Japan