The Japanese authorities have officially announced that they will pass order for 63 additional F35As, as well as 42 F35Bs, version with short, vertical takeoffs and landings of the Lockheed aircraft. The F35As will join the 42 aircraft already ordered, to replace around a hundred aging F15Js. The F35Bs will be intended to be deployed on the two Izumo class aircraft carriers, which will be modified for this purpose.
This decision was taken, according to the Japanese authorities, to respond to the strengthening of the Chinese high seas fleet, the second aircraft carrier of which is being tested, and the third under construction. It is also a way, according to them, to rebalance the trade balance with the United States, which has too much surplus according to President Trump.