Japan is buying 42 of the aircraft under a multiyear deal. The Defense Ministry is requesting a budget of 55.1 billion yen ($706.9 million) for the first four fighters next fiscal year, which starts in April.
Japan wrestled for years over whether to buy the F-35, Boeing F-18 or the Eurofighter Typhoon, made by a consortium of European companies.
The F-35, also called the Joint Strike Fighter, is the Pentagon’s biggest weapons procurement program — costing $238 billion — and has support from allies including Britain, Australia, Canada, Israel and several European nations. It is to be used by the U.S. Air Force, Marines and Navy.
The decision is going to deeply impact security throughout the region for decades to come. Washington is Tokyo’s main ally, and roughly 50,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Japan under a security pact. Japan’s air force must work closely with its American counterpart, and using the same or similar equipment makes that easier.
The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo said the deal would lead to new jobs in both countries. It estimated about 10,000 jobs would be created in the U.S. alone.
“Japan’s purchase of the U.S. candidate platform will strengthen the military ties between the United States and Japan and promote peace, stability and economic prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region,” it said in a statement.
To further sweeten the deal, Lockheed promised Japan a share of the assembly and production of the aircraft, which is important to local producers.