Japanese air freedom will be available in the next decadeFightersThe problem of a noticeable decrease in the number. On the one hand, due to the purchase of F35A and F35B from the United StatesFightersThe order was not delivered on time, and it was difficult for Japan to obtain a sufficient number of new modelsFighters。On the other hand, Japan's air is from the F15J in active serviceFightersand f2FightersIt also faces the problem of decommissioning. Among them, F15JFightersThere are more than 200 of them, but only 98 are confirmed for modernization and life extension, and most of the rest will be decommissioned. f2FightersIt was badly damaged in the 2011 Da**, and although it was repaired, its life was shortened. As a result, Japan has an urgent need to buy moreFightersto make up for the gap created by decommissioning.
In the international market, advancedFightersIt is mainly occupied by the United States, Russia, China and France. American series such as F35, F16, F18 and F15FightersIt is the main product, but its production capacity is facing problems, and it is difficult to meet the demand of Japan's air supply. Russia mainly exports heavy loads such as the Su-30 and Su-35Fighters, while China is known for its "Thunder Dragon" andJ-10CE fighterIt is the main export model. What is currently sold in France is:Rafale fighter。For Japan, however, it is requiredFightersIt must be advanced and able to work in tandem with the F35, at an affordable cost and with fast delivery. Under these technical requirements, there are not many options suitable for Japanese air self-control, except for the "Thunder", J-10CE and F16V, the United Statesf15exand FrenchRafale fighterIt is also an advanced option, but its high unit price and slow delivery speed make it less cost-effective compared to the F35.
The opinion put forward by a retired self-defense officer is that if Japan buys 200 aircraftF35 fighterHalf of the funds to buy the "Thunder".Fighters, which can increase the size of Japan's air fleet to 100 aircraftF35 fighterand 500 "Thunders".Fighters, that is, the size of the fleet has tripled. Replace with an active phased array radar"Thunder" Block3 fighterIt has advanced performance and can work in tandem with the F35. The unit price is about 30 million US dollars"Thunder" Block3 fighterThe cost performance is higher, and the retired self-defense officer may mistake the unit price of the J-10CE (about 40 million US dollars) for the unit price of the "Thunder Dragon" and draw a conclusion of 1 to 5. Therefore, fromMilitaryFrom the point of view, "Thunder Dragon".FightersIt is suitable for Japan's air selfFighters
Despite the fromMilitaryPerspective, Japan buys "Thunder".FightersIt is a potential choice, but in reality it is impossible for Japan to buy the "Thunder".FightersTarget. Political factors made it impossible for China to export to JapanFighters。However, the thinking of the retired self-defense officer inspired some countries, who are not averse to buying ChinaFighters。These countries are in small numbersF35 fighterOn the search for a partner when discovering ChinaFightersis a good choice. Due to the requirements for coordinated operations with the F35, there are only four and a half generations of ChinaFightersAchievable, with a relatively low level of compatibility and high compatibility. As a result, countries like the UAE are buying small quantitiesF35 fighterAt the same time, also on the purchase of Chinese"Thunder" Block3 fighterorJ-10CE fighter, and even FC31 fightersAs a complement, both good performance and increase are obtainedAir ForceFightersquantity. Such an option may be good for some countries in similar situations.
In short, fromMilitaryFrom the point of view, "Thunder Dragon".FightersIt is indeed suitable for the needs of Japan's air self-transportation, and the size of the fleet can be expanded to meetFightersVacancies arising from decommissioning. However, practical political factors limit Japan's purchase of ChinaFighterspossibilities. Still, the line of thought of the retired self-defense officer has inspired a number of other countries that may consider buying ChinaFightersAs a complement to the coordinated operation with the F35.