A farewell to the Phantom fleet, as Japan transitions to the F-35
The clock is ticking on Japan’s Phantom fighters as the country prepares to draw down use of the Cold War-era jet.
US airmen in the Pacific transitioned to the C-130J this year. How is the new model faring?
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has the largest area of responsibility of the American military’s combatant commands.
A look at Japanese air power — and potential procurements
Defense News traveled to Japan to see what an international aerospace exhibition and local air show had to offer.
Japanese acquisition officials reveal next steps in search for advanced fighter jet
Japan’s next-generation fighter will replace the F-2 around the mid-2030s.
More Stories
A look at Japanese air power — and potential procurements
Defense News traveled to Japan to see what an international aerospace exhibition and local air show had to offer.
By Mike Yeo
Japanese acquisition officials reveal next steps in search for advanced fighter jet
Japan’s next-generation fighter will replace the F-2 around the mid-2030s.
By Mike Yeo
US government, Boeing to help Japan upgrade missile, electronic warfare capabilities for F-15 jets
The Japanese Defense Ministry requested $89 million to upgrade two of its F-15J/DJ interceptors in its latest budget request for its next fiscal year.
By Mike Yeo
Japan sets naval-friendly requirement in search to replace AH-1S Cobra fleet
Apart from Bell’s AH-1Z Viper offer, what other platforms could enter Japan's competition?
By Mike Yeo
Prototype UH-X helo to undergo tests, with plans to produce 150 units for Japanese forces
The maiden flight will lead to the full-scale production of 150 UH-X helicopters for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
By Mike Yeo
Japan prepares to stand up first F-35 operational unit
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force is continuing to train more pilots, maintainers and other support personnel on the Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jet.
By Mike Yeo
Safety concerns delay delivery of V-22 Osprey aircraft to Japan
Japan’s first Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft are ready for delivery, but a dispute over where they will be based is holding up the process.
By Mike Yeo
Bell pitches Viper attack helo to replace Japan’s Cobra copters
American company Bell is promoting its AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter at the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition in Tokyo as its entrant for Japan’s attack helicopter replacement program.
By Mike Yeo
Raytheon air and missile defense chief talks North Korea skepticism, and the bright side of failure
As threats permeate the Pacific region, both China and North Korea are advancing their own capabilities at a rapid pace.
By Jill Aitoro
Japan at a crossroads: What’s keeping its defense industry from growing?
Japan's conundrum comes as it warily eyes nearby China’s military buildup and North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs.
By Mike Yeo
State Department clears $944 million in missiles for Japan, NATO
The weapon sales include SM-3 for Japan.
By Aaron Mehta
US Air Force KC-135 damage in Australia interrupts bomber training mission
A tug was pushing a KC-135R aircraft from its parking bay when one of the tanker’s nose landing gear doors was damaged by the tug.
By Mike Yeo
Airbus A330 delivery brings dedicated tanker capability to South Korean Air Force
The first Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport for the Republic of Korea Air Force has landed in South Korea for its acceptance tests.
By Mike Yeo
China showcases progress on stealth fighter jet at Zhuhai air show
China still has a fair way to go before it can approach the levels of signature reduction seen in fifth-generation fighters such as the F-22 and F-35.
By Mike Yeo
