The Japanese Ministry of Defense has rejected proposals by foreign manufacturers to develop a new fighter aircraft, according to a government spokesperson.
Japan has been seeking foreign partners to help develop an F-3 air-superiority oriented stealth fighter for its Air Self-Defense Force. The concept that has attracted by far the most public interest is Lockheed Martin’s proposal for a hybrid of the F-22 Raptor, the world’s top air warfare platform, and the newer F-35 Lightning II. However, some commentators believe the F-3 program could see a resurrection of sorts for the F-22’s rival of yore: the Northrop YF-23 Black Widow II—an aircraft many believe would have surpassed even the Raptor’s impressive performance.