Japan's military chief says US-built F-35 is 'best fighter'

TOKYO (REUTERS) - Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighters are the best choice for Japan's future operational needs, the nation's highest-ranking uniformed officer said on Wednesday, in a vote of confidence for the state-of-the-art US warplane.

His comments follow reports that some nations that have placed orders for the F-35s may reconsider their plans.

Mr Shigeru Iwasaki, chief of the Japanese Self-Defence Forces' Joint Staff, also said advancement of North Korea's arms technology in a series of nuclear and missile tests posed a serious threat to Japan, but its missile defence system should provide the country with sufficient protection.

"When I was the head of the air force, I spearheaded the decision (to procure F-35s). Or, rather, we drew up a plan, which was then approved by the defence minister," said Mr Iwasaki, a veteran fighter pilot who used to fly F-15s, Japan's current mainstay combat plane.

"There were various candidates, but I still believe the F-35 is the best fighter, when we think about Japan's future national security," he said in an interview with Reuters.

Dutch orders for F-35 warplanes are likely to be cut back, sources close to the discussions told Reuters last week, citing cost overruns and delays in the programme, uncertainty over the Netherlands' defence strategy and budget cuts across Europe.

US officials fear cuts in orders by the Dutch or other buyers could trigger a "death spiral" in the Pentagon's biggest arms programme by driving up the price of remaining orders, leading to more cancellations.

Japan, one of the closest US allies in Asia, has remained steadfast in its plans to buy 42 F-35s, with the first four planes scheduled for delivery by March 2017.

Mr Iwasaki described North Korea's nuclear and missile tests as "unforgivable".

"I think, after a series of tests, their technology has reached a certain level, helping them acquire capability to launch missiles with a very long range... I believe it's becoming a very serious situation when it comes to our national security," he said.

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