Japan's F-2

[JBodnar39]

I was wondering if anybody had any more up to date info on the number of F-2's (their domestically built knockoff of the F-16) in service. Any help would be appreciated. Here are the numbers that I have, although they are probably out of date:

13 F-2B - OCU
4 F-2B - Test
19 F-2A/5B - 1 Sqd
27 F-2A ordered

 

[Burner]

They originally planed to procure 130 F-2s (83 single-seat and 47 two-seat), however, the order has been reduced to 76 aircraft. So far, more than 49 aircraft have been delivered. The future of the programme and thus, the possible enlargement of the original order is uncertain. I can't tell you how many of those 76 are two-seaters, cause data seems to be scarce. On the Internet, you'll find conflicting reports regarding the numbers ordered and delivered, so if anybody has accurate data, then come share it.

Aditional info can be found here:
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f2/
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/f-2.htm (this one is outdated though)

 

[fylr71]

I think the Japanese realize that the F-2 is a step fighter. They are already looking at next generation fighters (It has been suggested they might purchase the F-22). Although the F-2 appears to be a very capable fighter it doesn't make sense to purchase large numbers of very expensive aircraft that are not necessarily even the best in the region. The F-2 would certainly have a tough time against the Chinese J-11B (Improved Su-27) and Chinese J-10 especially if it was equipped with thrust-vectoring engines. Even if the J-XX dosn't come out for about 15 years (and it probably won't) it would be far superior to the F-2. Why spend around $100 million for a fighter that will have a superior rival within 15 years?

 

[Waylander]

The main Problem of the JSDAF is their lack of ground attack capable planes.
I thought the F-2 should be a solution to that.

 

[HateBreed]

The main Problem of the JSDAF is their lack of ground attack capable planes.
I thought the F-2 should be a solution to that.

well noted. but the thing is that japanese doctrine (and its constitution) doesnt allow systems that would allow for offensive warfare capability. The f-2 is not a knock off of f16. it has larger wing area and also the tail flaps are also bigger. its anti-ship capability is also considered to be better than most jets. oh btw, the f2 doesnt feature the bubble canopy found on f16

 

[Waylander]

I don't think that their constitution is the reason for it.
They would not have attack helicopters and naval forces able to attack other countries.

 

[contedicavour]

well noted. but the thing is that japanese doctrine (and its constitution) doesnt allow systems that would allow for offensive warfare capability. The f-2 is not a knock off of f16. it has larger wing area and also the tail flaps are also bigger. its anti-ship capability is also considered to be better than most jets. oh btw, the f2 doesnt feature the bubble canopy found on f16

By anti-ship capability what do you mean ? Can the F2 carry Harpoon or the local copy by Mitsubishi ?
Does Japan have standoff missiles similar to Storm Shadow ?

thks
cheers

 

[JBodnar39]

By anti-ship capability what do you mean ? Can the F2 carry Harpoon or the local copy by Mitsubishi ?
Does Japan have standoff missiles similar to Storm Shadow ?

thks
cheers

Japan has a locally designed anti-ship missle with a range of about 60 miles. The F2 can carry 2 or 3 of them. As far as I know they do not have anything like storm shadow.

 

[Izzy1]

As you say, Japanese air-launched strike capabilities are pretty limited to the ASM-2 series of anti-ship missiles.

The JASDF does though have access to very large quantities of GCS-1 Laser Guided Munitions akin to the Paveway III/Mk82 500lb series.

However, given Japan's documented sensitivities with regards weapons systems, they are officially termed "Anti-Landing Craft weapons" in JASDF service...

 

[contedicavour]

As you say, Japanese air-launched strike capabilities are pretty limited to the ASM-2 series of anti-ship missiles.

The JASDF does though have access to very large quantities of GCS-1 Laser Guided Munitions akin to the Paveway III/Mk82 500lb series.

However, given Japan's documented sensitivities with regards weapons systems, they are officially termed "Anti-Landing Craft weapons" in JASDF service...

Anti-landing, wow, quite an euphemism
I wonder if you have information on the training of JASDF for bombing operations with the GCS-1. If training is properly done without political limitations, then the only thing lacking vs a typical Western European air force would be standoff missiles. Quite easy to fill that gap if no financial limitations... if for instance N. Korea decided to test a nuclear weapon.

cheers

 

[Waylander]

Maybe the Japanese version of Harpoon is already able to hit land targets like the latest Harpoon batches or they are inventing some sort of SLAM.

 

[contedicavour]

Maybe the Japanese version of Harpoon is already able to hit land targets like the latest Harpoon batches or they are inventing some sort of SLAM.

If North Korea keeps pushing it (for example by running a test on nuclear bombs) Japan will just buy Tomahawks from the US, after all the weapon can be used in self-defence to destroy the base of North Korea's IRBMs ...

cheers