The Mitsubishi F-2 support fighter is one of the cornerstones of Japan’s aerial defense and no doubt a glittering example of international cooperation and technological excellence; it was developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, in cooperation with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. The F-2 evolved from the FS-X program initiated in the late 1980s. This program has become not only the first cooperative development of a fighter aircraft between Japan and the USA but also an important step toward greater cooperation in defense matters.
The F-2 was based on the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, and it was primarily designed to defend Japanese sea lanes by performing air-to-air and air-to-surface missions. The plane comes fitted with much of the latest technology developed in Japan, such as fly-by-wire flight control and an integrated electronic warfare system. Other improvements include that the F-2 is the first production fighter to be fitted with an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, increasing its targeting ability.
One of the big differences with this F-2 is its increased wing area, about 25 percent larger than that of an F-16. This means more internal fuel storage and added weapon store stations for improved operational range and payload capacity. State-of-the-art co-cured composite technology and graphite epoxy in its wing substructure maximize strength while minimizing weight. The length of the fuselage of the F-2 is 17 inches more than that of the F-16, but it has larger horizontal tails as well.
The creation of the F-2 was influenced by Japan’s specific defense requirements. At the initial stages, the FS-X was oriented to the development of an indigenous design for a fighter with both long-range and maneuverability. Still, it soon became clear that outside help was indispensable. In 1987, Japan announced its plans to develop an F-16C Block 40 derivative. This effort was designated FS-X, which would lead to the F-2 fighter. The program was fully funded by Japan; Japanese partners were to perform some 60 percent of the development work.
The primary task of the F-2 features the intercepting of enemy aircraft and destroying enemy landing forces or warships with anti-ship missiles. Its requirements called for the carrying of four anti-ship or medium-to-long-range missiles, which in turn called for more wing area and other changes. The first FS-X flight test aircraft rolled out in 1995, the production deliveries started in 1999 and ended in 2011. And although the initial plans for its production were 130 a/c, the number was later cut down to only 94 units.
During the years, several modernizations were made for the F-2. This includes the active electronically scanned array radar J/APG-2, improved missiles AAM-4B, and the newest ones, AAM-5B with improved IRCCM and HMS compatibility. Fielded in 2015, the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod made it possible to enable the F-2 to independently use laser-guided bombs without external targeting support. Further future upgrades will include LINK16, a mission computer, and the new Type-12SSM with better performance.
The F-2 has a far larger and structurally strengthened wing area, providing extended armament-carrying capabilities. Combinations of medium- and long-range rockets, short- and medium-range IR missiles, JDAM and L-JDAM bombs, anti-ship missiles, and more can be carried. Its principal weapons include an internal M61A2 cannon with 512 rounds.
The Mitsubishi F-2, therefore, is the epitome of international cooperation and technological innovation in the development of a 4.5-generation multi-role support fighter. Further development and modernization secure its place as an integral part of Japan’s defense strategy, able to meet the changing challenges of modern warfare.