Japan secures cost cuts on US F-35 fighter jet programme

Tokyo

TOKYO has secured cost cuts on support equipment for its next batch of six US F-35 stealth fighter aircraft of around US$100 million, according to sources and Japanese budget papers, on top of savings being finalised for all buyers of the high-tech jets.

The deal represents a rare case of Tokyo negotiating down the price of military hardware from its US ally and underscores progress for the Lockheed Martin Corp-run F-35 programme, which has faced criticisms over cost overruns and other problems.