Toyko's major procurement announcement in 2012 concerned its decision to finally select the Lockheed Martin F-35A to replace its F-4Js under the F-X fighter competition. The choice of the F-35A over the Eurofighter Typhoon and Boeing F/A-18 was controversial. Unlike the Typhoon, the F-35A is not strictly an air superiority fighter (the original ASDF requirement). Furthermore, it is not yet operationally capable or combat tested; its probable delivery date is not before 2020; and, with the possible exception of some cockpit work, it will give Japanese defence industry few opportunities to maintain industrial capacity in fighter production.
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