Borne out of the strategic alliance between Japan and the United States, the Mitsubishi F-2 Support Fighter is a testament to cutting-edge technology transfer and collaborative production strategies. The F-2, much of whose pedigree lay in the legendary Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, was a product of the late 20th century and was produced in the mid- to late 1980s and manufactured in the early 1990s. It is a weird yet wonderful combination of Japanese ingenuity and American design principles.
Streamlined for air-to-surface operations to defend Japan’s seaparts, the F-2 also has capable air-to-air operations. Its induction was a major breakthrough. for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), increasing their presence and bringing their air combat capability up to date. The aircraft’s outstanding systems, including the fly-by-wire flight control and integrated electronic warfare system, are a testament to Japan’s investment in the development of its defense technologies. A milestone in aerial warfare technology, the F-2 was the world’s first production fighter with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and then it had Lockheed Martin’s Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod integrated into it in 2015.
Structurally, the F-2 features a wing surface area expanded by about 25 percent more than its F-16 ancestor. This increased wing surface not only facilitates greater internal fuel storage but also provides space for two additional weapon carrying stations. Made of graphite epoxy by using co-cured composite technology, the wings are evidence of Japan’s drive to achieve maximum strength at minimal weight. In terms of dimensions, the F-2’s fuselage extends 17 inches longer than the F-16’s, and its horizontal tails are noticeably larger.
The physical similarity between the F-2 and F-16 is almost complete because of the tech-sharing pact between the two countries. However, certain characteristics make the F-2 distinct. For aviation buffs, the most notable variation is in the canopy. The F-2 has a distinctive three-piece bubble canopy compared to the F-16’s two-part version. Other minute variations are a slightly longer nose and broader horizontal stabilizer, and an optional drag chute mounted on top of the tailpipe.
With about 60 percent of the F-2 being made domestically, Japan has displayed a significant amount of industrial capability and expertise. The 40 percent made by the United States highlights the need for international cooperation regarding defense technology.
