US approves possible sale of F-35B fighter jets to Japan

The sale includes 42 F-35B jets able to be deployed on amphibious assault ships. The US State Department had already approved the sale before DSCA's submission.

Washington: The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency has submitted a notification to Congress for the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Japan.

F-35B, a stealth vertical take-off and landing fight jet, could help the amphibious assault ship gain a close aggressive capability similar to an aircraft carrier.

The DSCA on Thursday said the sale includes 42 F-35B jets able to be deployed on amphibious assault ships.

The US State Department had already approved the sale before DSCA's submission.

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Besides the batch of F-35B, Japan also requested 63 F-35A jets, along with 110 Pratt and Whitney F135 engines, the DSCA said.

"It is vital to US national interest to assist Japan in developing and maintaining a strong and effective self-defence capability," the DSCA said, noting that the proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

(IANS)