The development coincides with growing concerns in Washington over Japan’s continued involvement in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a joint sixth-generation fighter project with the United Kingdom and Italy. The F-47 offer could be seen as a strategic attempt by the US to sway Tokyo away from the trilateral programme.
Reuters reported on 30 May that Japan is increasingly doubtful GCAP will meet its planned 2035 operational deadline. Citing two senior sources, the report suggested that Japan may consider acquiring more F-35s or upgrading its existing F-15 fleet to fill potential capability gaps.
The F-47 offer, therefore, presents Tokyo with an alternative sixth-generation option as regional threats intensify. China is reportedly testing its own sixth-generation aircraft, provisionally named the J-36 and J-50.
The Asahi Shimbun reported that Trump discussed the F-47 in a phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on 23 May. According to sources in the Ishiba administration, the call was arranged at President Trump’s request.
During the conversation, Trump raised the F-47 alongside other advanced US aircraft, including the F-22 Raptor and an upgraded F-35 model. “We have such great fighter jets,” Trump reportedly told Ishiba, asking, “Would you like to take a look at them?”
Trump also reassured Ishiba, stating he would get “the best” for Japan, according to officials cited by The Asahi Shimbun. The phone call highlights the strategic importance Washington places on its military alliance with Tokyo.
Earlier in March, while awarding Boeing the NGAD contract, Trump hinted at the possibility of an export version of the F-47. At the time, he noted that US allies were “calling constantly” to obtain the new fighter.
“We will sell it to certain allies … perhaps toned-down versions,” Trump said. “We’d like to tone them down about 10 percent, which probably makes sense, because someday, maybe they’re not our allies, right?”
Analysts believe the US may replicate its F-35 sales strategy with the F-47, which has already been exported to 20 countries. This approach could reduce the per-unit cost through larger production volumes, making the F-47 more affordable for allies like Japan.
The reported F-47 proposal follows shortly after reports suggesting Washington is attempting to draw Tokyo away from GCAP. As Japan reassesses its defence options, the US offer may weigh heavily on its future decisions.
Source: The EurAsian Times.
