U.S. Lockheed Martin Corp.’s F-35 has been fixed as Japanese next generation fighter jet.

The Japanese government decided to introduce the F-35 model as the country’s next generation fighter jet at a National Security Council meeting presided over by Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda Tuesday. As a result, the F-35 will replace aging F-4 and F-15 late.

“The F-35 has overwhelmed it rival contenders of FA-18 and Eurofighter in four aspects such as capabilities, contribution to the local defense industry and maintenance costs,” said Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa.

Especially, Japan has given highest mark on F-35’s capabilities. This is the 5th generation jet armored with latest stealth function as well as its networking capabilities to deliver pilots integrated information from radars on the ground and Aegis warships.

It is also outstanding in both air-to-air and electric warfare as it is equipped with guided bombs and anti-ship missiles. The selection also aims at holding China and Russia which are seeking to introduce the fifth generation fighters in check. It would also help Japan strengthen interoperability with the U.S. Air Force which is introducing the latest jets.

It is priced at 8.9 billion yen. When parts are included, the cost totals 9.9 billion yen (approximately 147 billion won). Japan is planning to buy 42 jets in total, which will be delivered from 2016. The Japanese government has set aside funds for four jets in the budget for 2012.

However, there is concern that strategic problem may occur if Lockheed Martin failed to meet the delivery schedule due to defects which frequently appeared in the process.

“There will be no problems as the U.S. government has promised the deadline of 2016” said Defense Minister Ichikawa. But Japanese media has pointed out the possibility that the U.S. would fail to make promise. In that case, the delayed development would lead to cost rise which will be in return translated into higher price of the new jets.

Concerning the technology transfer, the Eurofighter manufacturing company offers 80 percent of its licensed while Lockheed Martin being tightfisted. Japan is expected to face friction with the manufacturer in obtaining technologies.