Japan to jointly develop Jet Engine of Its F-X Fighter with UK

Japan is set to jointly develop the engine of its future next-generation F-X fighter jet with the UK. The final framework of the cooperation between British company Rolls-Royce and Japan’s IHI Corporation is expected in March 2022.

The F-X is a sixth-generation fighter jet and Japan’s first indigenously developed stealth fighter. Test flights are expected to start in 2028 and end by 2031.

As per a report by Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, the UK will help the country develop the engine’s air intake port and the part surrounding the exhaust port.

The jet, set to be developed by Mitsubishi, is expected to be built at a cost of over 5 trillion yen ($48 billion). Mitsubishi will be responsible for the airframe design and system development and will receive technical assistance from US-based Lockheed Martin.

The F-X is a twin-engine jet capable of mounting six internal weapons. It will replace the Mitsubishi F-2. The aircraft will complement the fleet of 147 F-35 jets Japan currently possesses.