The Yomiuri Shimbun
The Defense Ministry likely will incorporate funds to modernize an additional dozen or so Air Self-Defense Force F-15 fighter jets in its budgetary request for fiscal 2009, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.
Delays in the selection of the country's next mainstay fighter (F-X) has led the ministry to deem it necessary to modernize its current fleet of mainstay fighters, despite this meaning it will exceed the improvement expense limit stipulated in its current medium-term fiscal 2005-09 defense buildup program, according to sources.
The ministry hopes to upgrade radar, computers and other functions on its F-15s to counter perceived threats such as China's massive strengthening of its aerial warfare capabilities. It is forecast that such modernization work will ultimately be carried out on about 40 aircraft--the number required for two squadrons.
(Jul. 29, 2008)
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