Why Did Japan Just Build A Stealth Fighter Jet?

[Purveyor]

April 23, 2016

Japan’s first stealth fighter jet, a prototype called the X-2, took its maiden flight on Friday.

The development of a stealth fighter jet – capable of evading radar detection – is indicative of Japan's concern over China's regional military buildup. It's also a sign that Japan is willing to move beyond its pacifist past and chart a defense independent of its closest military ally, the US.

The X-2 was built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and "integrates an airframe, engines, and other advanced systems and equipment all adaptable to future fighters,” according to Mitsubishi.

According to the test pilot, the X-2’s inaugueral flight went well, and followed a stimulated training flight pattern. The X-2, painted red and white, took off from the Nagoya airport and landed at the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Gifu base.

Although the X-2 has been in development for over a
decade, its first test flight this spring is certainly timely, as tensions escalate between Japan and near neighbor China over the situation in the East and South China Sea.

Recently, the Japanese government approved a $44 billion dollar defense budget, the fourth straight year of budget increases in a row.

MORE...

https://www.yahoo.com/news/why-did-japan-just-build-stealth-fighter-jet-190606731.html?nhp=1

[djean111]

1. Because they are so close to China and North Korea?

I would increase my defense budget, if I was close to those two countries.

[Gregorian]

2. Think of using that amazing engineering for the benefit of mankind.

[tymorial]

3. That country with a billion people to the south

And the other one run by a man child.

[braddy]

4. They have reason to worry.

[agincourt]

5. They probably know how much trouble the F-35 is,

and decided to build their own jet, instead of buying or license building US types like they have previously with the F-15 and F-16.