TOKYO—Japan's defence ministry is considering U.S. F-22A stealth fighters and F-15FX fighters as replacements for some of its ageing fighter jets, Kyodo news agency reported on Sunday quoting sources close to the matter.
The ministry was unavailable for comment, but an official said last month that it was examining options as it plans to start replacing its fleet of 60 F-4 fighters as training aircraft in the next couple of years.
A U.S. Congress ban on exports of its most advanced and most expensive fighter jet, the F-22A Raptor built by Lockheed Martin and Boeing, had raised the possibility that Japan would seek other options, including European jets.
But Kyodo said Japanese defence officials believe the ban will be lifted in the future.
Quoting sources, Kyodo said Japan was considering buying the F-15FX first and then buying the F-22A after the export ban is lifted.
Japan and the United States have agreed to step up cooperation between their armed forces in the face of rising regional tensions after North Korea's nuclear and missile tests last year.
