F-35 Lightning II fighters
Japan, neighboring Russia, has chosen Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as the main contractor for the construction of its next generation fighter, writes Defense News.
The publication notes that by the end of 2020, Tokyo will decide on a foreign company, which will be the main partner of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries when creating a new aircraft. Defense News writes that one of the main requirements for the fighter being created will be its stealth.
The design of the engine and airframe of the new aircraft is scheduled to begin by March 31, 2021. Production of the first prototype should start in 2024. In 2028, the fighter is to begin flight tests.
In March, the world's largest military-industrial company Lockheed Martin delivered the 500th F-35 Lightning II serial fighter of the fifth generation to the customer.
In January, the corporation promised to produce 180 F-35 Lightning II aircraft annually by 2024.
Currently, the fifth generation fighters are produced by the United States, China and Russia.
