On the 30^th October, the Japanese Defense Minister announced that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries would be the prime contactor to develop the country’s next-generation F-X stealth fighter, intended for delivery in the 2030s. This announcement is not unexpected, with previous indications being that the Japanese Ministry of Defense was targeting an indigenously developed platform. Harry Boneham, Associate Analyst at GlobalData, comments, “despite the designation of MHI as prime contractor, there is still an opportunity for foreign co-operation of some parts including avionics and engines. Furthermore, the victory of President-elect Biden may place US firms in pole position in the contest to secure these contracts within the F-X programme. Reporting regarding a phone call between President-elect Biden and Prime Minister Suga suggests a tightening of US-Japanese relations.”

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