Japan's government has selected the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter to bolster its aging air force and is likely to announce the multibillion-dollar deal by the end of the week, news reports said Tuesday.
The announcement is expected after a committee meeting Friday, according to Kyodo News agency and the Yomiuri newspaper. A spokesman for Lockheed Martin said it had not been informed of any decision, and Defense Ministry officials refused to comment.
Japan is expected to buy as many as 40 jets for as much as $8 billion. The Yomiuri report said it will budget for the first four aircraft in 2012. (Japan Today)
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