Japan selects the F-35A in the F-X competition

Japan's Security Council selected the F-35A as winner of the F-X competition, with an initial order of forty-two aircraft to replace its F-4EJ Phantom IIs. The Lightning II beat the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The agreement provided for part of the production to be assembled in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.