2013-07-18 (Excerpts):
The Japanese government has decided to allow domestic defense-related manufacturers to participate in production of U.S. F-35 stealth fighter jets for the Air Self-Defense Force, government sources said Wednesday.
The government, which will sign contracts with the manufacturers in August, is aiming to solidify Japan-U.S. relations in the area of security and nurture domestic defense-related industry, the sources said.
Japan plans to introduce the F-35 as the ASDF’s next-generation mainstay jet…..
Among the Japanese companies, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. is expected to conduct final assembly, IHI Corp. to make engine parts, and Mitsubishi Electric Corp. to manufacture radar parts.
Kyodo News International
July 17, 2013 12:03