Military of China, force comment.
Military of China, force comment.

European Typhoon fighter

TaiwanNews22 Taiwan News website published an article that, although the F -20 fighter from China to reach the actual deployment phase a few years, but given that the U.S. has been shut down F-22 fighter production line, and the F-35 delivery may delayed until 2020, so Japan is considering to spend nearly 10 billion U.S. dollars, from the procurement of Eurofighter “Typhoon” aircraft.

However, the article pointed out that the choice of “Typhoon” aircraft at high risk. Japan’s new fighter procurement contract is expected to reach billions of dollars in China and Russia are in a period of modernization of its air force, its aircraft will be selected as major U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific Japan’s main fighter aircraft. Some analysts pointed out that the procurement of Eurofighter, will make the future US-Japan defense cooperation has become complicated.

because Japan is Washington’s closest allies, the ? by the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter planes developed by Boeing and the development of the F/A-18 fighter procurement has always been popular in Japan. However, the U.S. not to sell Japan F-22 fighter’s decision, F-35 fighter production delays and cost overruns occur such problems, the European aircraft company benefited.

British BAE Systems, said company spokesman Jon ? Bang Nike, Eurofighter “Typhoon” aircraft is that Japan can buy the most advanced aircraft. It is the world’s leading platform for multi-purpose fighter, first-class air to air capability. Eurofighter from BAE Systems UK, Germany, France and Europe continents Aeronautic Defence and Space Company and the Italian Finmeccanica Group jointly set up.

neighbor China’s rapid development has been the ability of the Japanese planners terrified, China has announced its next-generation stealth fighter – was widespread discussion of the Chengdu J -20. Although this fighter may be several years before actual deployment, but it is still regarded as the F-22 opponent, but far better than the Japanese currently have the aircraft.

The article said that even without the impact of F -20, Japan also faces an alternative to the gradual growth of its aging F-4EJ and F-15 fighter jets pressure. Japan originally planned to make a decision in 2007, but by the budget and the impact of the bureaucratic political struggle, the deadline has been repeatedly pushed back.

Last week, Japan’s defense minister, told Congress handsome Kitazawa, said: “This is an issue we must consider.” In addition, although some legislators proposed a-day fighters will be selected as the proposed but said that does not Kitazawa handsome in that context.

conservative F-22 advanced technology secret, the U.S. Congress refused to sell this aircraft to Japan. Moreover, the delay-related work that the United States, another F-35 stealth fighter until 2020, possible delivery, which will be for Japan to leave a longer gap than expected.

article pointed out that although Europe is not like the F-22 fighter or F-35 (to be considered a fifth-generation fighter) as advanced, but which aircraft already in service. The supersonic aircraft had its maiden flight in 1994, is currently using the aircraft’s six countries: Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Australia and Saudi Arabia. In addition, the aircraft manufacturer is seeking to Greece, Denmark, Romania, Qatar and India sold the machine. It is believed that the Eurofighter’s priced at approximately $ 100 million.

fighter sales practices in Europe to occupy a large part, it does not strictly related to technology transfer, which means that some parts of the aircraft eventually produced in the territory of Japan – which those concerned about Japan’s domestic industrial planners, it is a very favorable factors. In contrast, the United States is much less generous.

American Enterprise Institute, Japan expert Michael ? Ao Silin said: “Japan is obviously looking to buy a fifth-generation fighter, but if you do not, then they will look to consider themselves able to buy What, and get the production license. “Ao Silin said:” At present, the Eurofighter has provided substantial benefits to Tokyo, including industrial participation, I think, if the U.S. can not be cast with the same attractive option, it will be difficult to Tokyo Choose a no good deal. “

In addition, the University of Warwick, Japan expert, political scientist Christopher ? Hughes also said he believes Japan may choose to fill the gap with the Eurofighter and other F-35 fighter planes which are ready to buy again. However, Hughes said: “Although I think there may be opportunities for the Eurofighter, but it’s as big an opportunity may not be as FX. Eurofighter meet the many requirements and is ready, although not cheap, but not much F-35 as expensive. “

article points out, in fact, impede the Eurofighter purchase history mainly in Japan – Tokyo government is always to buy US-made products. Which is mainly related to the political and practical issues. Washington is Tokyo’s main allies, and the security treaty in accordance with the provisions of the United States stationed in Japan, about 50,000 people. Japan’s air force must work closely with the U.S. military, using the same or similar equipment can make things easier.

The U.S. Defense Department spokeswoman Leslie ? Hull – Ryder (LeslieHull-Ryde), said: “The United States of a FX platform can help ensure the future of these strong military ties continue to develop, This will also help Japan and the region’s overall stability and security. “

Boeing confident it has the best aircraft. Defense Systems, Boeing vice president Jim ? Armington, said: “We believe F/A-18EF ‘Super Hornet’ BlockII Japan FX the most practical choice.” Ao Silin said the choice of “Typhoon” may cause some difficulties in the future of Japan. He said, “we believe that if you do not have the strongest allies get fighter F-35, there may be some difficulties in the future, especially as China and the Russian Air Force’s modernization of Japan may not be in the United States other allies (Britain, Australia and even South Korea) level for action. “

However, BAE Systems Bu Nike said the Eurofighter aircraft in the United States and NATO on track record, can be eliminated this concern. Europeans may also be willing to pay more efforts than the United States, in order to get the deal – the Eurofighter company needed in terms of sales achieved some victories. In 2010, the Italian Defense Minister 伊尼亚齐奥 ? La Lusa said that Italy will make its order with the Eurofighter aircraft reduce the number of 25 to save 20 billion euros ($ 2.6 billion), and the United Kingdom are also considering its defense spending by 20%. (Compiled: Spring)