Japan could opt for non-US fighter if final F-22 bid fails

摘要

Japan is making a final push to buy the Lockheed Martin F-22, but its defence minister confirms that Tokyo will consider non-US fighters if its attempt fails.rn"We are still seeking the possibility of acquiring the F-22, but if that does not work out, we will have to consider not just the [Lockheed] F-35, but others as options," Yasukazu Hamada told the Kyodo News Agency.rnThere have been calls within Washington for the US Congress to remove its ban on exporting the F-22, with senator Daniel In-ouye, head of the Senate Appropriations Committee, notably supporting a future sale to Japan.