Separately, Mitsubishi announced that it was suspending its civilian aircraft project given uncertainties for the travel industry due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The next generation fighters, currently known as F-X, are part of
The next generation stealth jet will replace F-2s that
“We will steadily push forward the development of our next generation fighter jets,” Defence Minister
Mitsubishi will decide on other participants in the project, including avionics, engine and other parts makers.
Japan’s Air Self-Defence Force has a fleet of about 290 fighter jets and is also replacing its F-4 fighters with dozens of F-35s to strengthen its missile deterrence out of concern over
Japan’s purchases of American weapons have helped reduce its trade surplus with the
Kishi said Mitsubishi's decision about its commercial aircraft program had no bearing on the fighter jet development plan.
The company said it has decided to cut costs and focus on potential growth sectors such as cleaner energy projects and cybersecurity, to boost its profitability.
Work on the aircraft, called SpaceJet and formerly known as the MRJ, will be put on hold, it said. Test flights began in 2015, and deliveries had been planned for Japanese carrier
Given the blow to travel from the pandemic, demand for passenger aircraft is not expected to recover until 2024, Mitsubishi said.
Mitsubishi Heavy, a supplier for
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