Lockheed Martin Corp., the world’s largest defense company, is counting on stealth technology to beat Boeing Co. and Eurofighter GmbH in a Japanese fighter contest that may be worth more than $4 billion. The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has better anti-radar capabilities than Boeing’s F-18 Super Hornet and Eurofighter’s Typhoon as it was specifically designed in a shape that would be hard to detect, said Craig Caffrey, a London-based analyst at IHS Jane’s DS Forecast, which advises defense suppliers. That may give the plane an edge as Japan previously tried to buy stealth fighters that can be used for spying as well as combat.
‘Stealth capabilities are clearly an area of focus for the Japanese,” Caffrey said. “It’s a key advantage for the F-35 over the rest of the competition.”
Japan will accept bids this month to supply about 40 fighters as it bolsters air defenses to counter military developments in China and North Korea.
Japan likely will choose a jet by year-end, said a Ministry of Defense spokeswoman, who declined to be identified, citing government policy. Deliveries are due to begin in 2016. — Bloomberg
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