Lockheed Martin
Mitsubishi F-2
The Mitsubishi F‑2 is a multirole fighter developed in the late 1990s as a collaborative effort between Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the United States aerospace giant Lockheed Martin. Based on the proven design of the F‑16 Fighting Falcon, the program leveraged Lockheed Martin’s expertise in aerodynamics, avionics and composite structures while allowing Mitsubishi to integrate advanced Japanese technologies. First flown in 1995 and entering service with the Japanese Air Self‑Defense Force in 2000, the F‑2 has been produced in limited numbers, with 94 aircraft built for the JASDF and a handful for testing and export trials.
Key features include a larger wing area with leading‑edge extensions for improved lift‑to‑drag ratio, a carbon‑fiber reinforced polymer wing and tail, and a state‑of‑the‑art active electronically scanned array radar. The cockpit houses a fully digital glass display, and the aircraft can carry a wide array of air‑to‑air missiles, anti‑ship cruise missiles and precision‑guided bombs. Its thrust‑vectoring control is optional, providing enhanced maneuverability in dogfights.
The F‑2’s significance lies in its role as Japan’s first indigenously‑produced fighter, demonstrating successful technology transfer from Lockheed Martin and establishing a platform for future Japanese‑led stealth and fifth‑generation developments.
Key features include a larger wing area with leading‑edge extensions for improved lift‑to‑drag ratio, a carbon‑fiber reinforced polymer wing and tail, and a state‑of‑the‑art active electronically scanned array radar. The cockpit houses a fully digital glass display, and the aircraft can carry a wide array of air‑to‑air missiles, anti‑ship cruise missiles and precision‑guided bombs. Its thrust‑vectoring control is optional, providing enhanced maneuverability in dogfights.
The F‑2’s significance lies in its role as Japan’s first indigenously‑produced fighter, demonstrating successful technology transfer from Lockheed Martin and establishing a platform for future Japanese‑led stealth and fifth‑generation developments.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1995
- Service Entry
- 2000
Design & Classification
- Primary Use
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Lockheed Martin
- Developer
- Lockheed Martin, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
- Military Designation
- F-2
- Operator
-
Japan Air Self-Defense Force
- Wikidata ID
- Q209480