Japan, South Korea, Singapore being wooed by Lockheed, Boeing for new fighter orders

23 February 2008

Both Lockheed Martin Corp and Boeing Co, the world's two largest aerospace and defence suppliers, are wooing Japan and South Korea to sell their fighter jets, even as domestic military spending in the US shows signs of slowing down.
 
Speaking to the media at the Singapore Airshow, Lockheed's George Standridge, vice president, F-35 programme, said that the company would promote the F-35 Lightning II fighter as a contender whenever the Japanese government invites bids.

``The Japanese are now deciding on an RFP and sitting back and watching the F-35 programme to gain confidence in the plane,'' Standridge said. ``It must be considered by the Japanese, it's just a matter of when.''

Meanwhile, Joe Song, vice- president, Asia-Pacific region, Boeing, said that the company would offer it's F-15 and F/A-18 Super Hornet whenever the Japanese Request For Proposal was issued.

Lockheed and Boeing are increasingly looking towards gaining orders outside the US to offset a decrease in domestic military spending as the war in Iraq winds down and a new presidency is likely to slash down defence spending.

Both the aerospace giants are also in contention for an $11 billion Indian Air force tender for 126 multi-role fighter aircraft.

According to Standridge Lockheed Martin expects to win 500 orders for the F-35 Lightning II from global customers.