TOKYO // Japan's government has selected the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter to bolster its ageing air force, saying it plans to buy 42 aircraft.
The cost of the first four has been budgeted in the next fiscal year, starting in April, said Noriyuki Shikata, the deputy cabinet secretary for public relations.
Lockheed gave the average price per plane as US$65 million (Dh238.6m). Final price tag, delivery times and quantities per year have yet to be finalised.
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 programme, costing $238bn, and has support from allies including the UK, Australia, Canada and several European nations. It is to be used by the US air force, marines and navy.
Winning the Japan contract marks a major victory for Lockheed Martin, which is aggressively pushing the F-35 abroad.
The programme has been criticised for cost overruns and delays but the firm says several thousand could eventually be produced.
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HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX RESULT
1. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 1:39:46.713
2. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 00:00.908
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes-GP 00:12.462
4. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-GP 00:12.885
5. Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing 00:13.276
6. Fernando Alonso, McLaren 01:11.223
7. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 1 lap
8. Sergio Perez, Force India 1 lap
9. Esteban Ocon, Force India 1 lap
10. Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren 1 lap
11. Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso 1 lap
12. Jolyon Palmer, Renault 1 lap
13. Kevin Magnussen, Haas 1 lap
14. Lance Stroll, Williams 1 lap
15. Pascal Wehrlein, Sauber 2 laps
16. Marcus Ericsson, Sauber 2 laps
17r. Nico Huelkenberg, Renault 3 laps
r. Paul Di Resta, Williams 10 laps
r. Romain Grosjean, Haas 50 laps
r. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing 70 laps
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less