Acuerdo entre Japón y Estados Unidos por el F-35/Japan, U.S. Reach Accord on 5th-Generation Stealth Fighter Jets

Japón y Estados Unidos han alcanzado un acuerdo confidencial sobre el F-35, el cuál muy probablemente sustituirá a su flota de F-4.
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Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara said Tuesday that Japan and the United States have reached a confidentiality agreement on the F-35 fighter jet, which is highly likely to become the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force's main next- generation fighter replacing its outdated F-4 fleet.
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Japón planea introducir aeronaves no tripuladas para vigilancia/ Japan is considering using UAV for surveillance

La decisión se debe a la creciente tensión con sus vecinos China y Corea del Norte.
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Japan is to consider using unmanned aircraft for surveillance flights, a newspaper reported Dec. 30, at a time of heightened tensions with neighboring China and North Korea.
defensenews

Japón desplegará mas misiles Patriot para defenderse de Corea del Norte/ Japan plans more Patriot systems to shoot down N. Korean missiles

Japón desplegará mas baterías de misiles Patriot como defensa de un posible ataque de Corea de Norte. Actualmente Japón solo tiene el Patriot desplegado en tres bases, desde ahora lo será en las principales islas.
Japón considera a Corea del Norte uno de los principales problemas para su seguridad desde el lanzamiento por Corea del Norte de un misil de largo alcance en
1998.
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Japan will deploy a larger network of land-based U.S. Patriot PAC-3 systems to ensure effective defenses against North Korean ballistic missiles, a draft defense document says.
Patriot missiles were previously deployed only at three air bases in Japan but in the near future additional systems will be placed on all major Japanese islands.
North Korea became one of Tokyo's biggest security worries after it test-fired a long-range ballistic missile over Japan in 1998, prompting Tokyo to begin researching missile defense.
Japanese military is particularly concerned about N. Korean medium-range ballistic missiles with the flight range of 1,300 kilometers.
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40 Helicópteros UH-60J para Japón/Mitsubishi Heavy to bulid 40 UH-60J for JASDF

El ministerio de defensa de Japón ha seleccionado a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) para la fabricación de 40 UH-60J en versión SAR para la JASDF.
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Japan’s Ministry of Defense has selected Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ (MHI) proposal to supply the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) with a new fleet of advanced UH-60J search and rescue helicopters
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Japón no seleccionará el F-35 como futuro caza/ Japan will not select F-35 as winner of FX competition

Japón no seleccionará al F-35 como ganador de su concurso FX para dotarse de cazas, debido a que considera que no tiene suficientes datos para su selección.
Los aviones a elegir serán ahora el F/A-18 y el Eurofighter.
Sources say the lack of sufficient data on the F-35 forced planners to delay the selection
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Japan will not select winner of FX competition due to insufficient F-35 data
When the Japanese Defense Ministry compiles its new midterm national defense program next month, the winner of its FX competition will not be included.
The original plan was to choose a winner from the list which includes the F-35, F/A-18 and Eurofighter.
Sources say the lack of sufficient data on the F-35 forced planners to delay the selection
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17 MISILES STANDARD PARA AUSTRALIA Y TRECE PARA JAPON/ STANDARD MISSILES FOR AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN

La Agencia de Defensa Seguridad y Cooperación Americana ha notificado al Congreso la posible venta a Australia de 17 misiles Standard SM-2 Block IIIB y una posible venta a Japón de 13 misiles Standard SM-2 Block IIIB
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DSCA notified Congress a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of 17 SM-2 Block IIIB STANDARD Warhead Compatible Telemetry missiles and a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of 13 SM-2 Block IIIB Tactical STANDARD missiles

Japón incrementará el número de submarinos desde 16 hasta 22/ Japan to increase number of submarines from 16 to 22

Japón esta planeando reforzar sus capacidades de guerra submarina, incrementando su número de submarinos, desde los dieciseis actuales, hasta los 22.
La decisión se verá reflejada en la programa de defensa de Japón para el periodo 2011-2015.
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Japan is reportedly planning to boost its underwater capabilities by increasing the number of submarines used by its naval force and six submarines will be added to the current force of sixteen.
The plan is to be reflected in Japan's basic defense program for the fiscal years 2011 to 2015
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Eurofighter busca ventas en Asia/ Eurofighter hunts for Asian contracts

Eurofighter se muestra confiado en ventas de Typhoon en el mercado asiático en los próximos años, sobre todo por el nuevo radar y armamento que podrá utilizar. Los esfuerzos se centran en Malaysia, Corea del Sur y Japón, que necesitarán un caza capaz de confrontar con los Flanker rusos o los J-10/ J-11 de China.
Malaysia ha solicitado información sobre el Typhoon, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet y el Saab Gripen. Rosoboronexport de Rusia está intentando incluir el Su-35 en el próximo concurso. Financiación para una compra inicial parece que será incluida en el próximo plan quinquenal. La decisión seguramente se verá influida por la participación industrial que se ofrezca.
Corea del Sur mantiene el concurso FX III por 120 nuevos cazas. En su fase inicial, Seul pidió 60 Boeing F-15K. Eurofighter dice haber aprendido de esto y espera tener mas opciones proximamente.
Japón ha mantenido en suspenso el concurso F-X, ya que ha intentado convencer a Estados Unidos sin éxito para obtener F-22. Tampoco parece que se vaya a poder adquirir el F-35 para la fecha deseada, en 2015, lo que dejaría al Typhoon con mas posibilidades.

flightglobal
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The Eurofighter consortium remains confident about its prospects in a slew of Asian fighter competitions, believing that its new radar and weapons could help it win contracts in what has so far been a barren region for the team. Countries like Malaysia, South Korea and Japan need a new-generation multirole fighter that can be effective against many of the other aircraft in the region, like Russian Flankers or Chinese J-10 or J-11.
Malaysia is increasingly gearing up to be an important competition. Kuala Lumpur has asked for information on the Typhoon, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Saab Gripen, while Russian arms export agency Rosoboronexport is pushing for Sukhoi’s Su-35 to be included. Initial aircraft assessments have begun, with Malaysian officials expected to visit Eurofighter facilities in the near future.
Funding for an initial payment for an order is likely to be included in the next Malaysian five-year plan. Industrial participation could be a key factor.

South Korea’s FX III competition specifies a requirement for 120 fighters, and Seoul has ordered 60 Boeing F-15Ks in the first two phases. The Typhoon lost in the second phase.
Japan’s F-X competition has been in limbo for the past two years, with Tokyo still hoping to convince the US government to release the Lockheed F-22 Raptor for export sales. Political uncertainty due to infighting within the ruling Democratic Party of Japan has added to the delay, as has ongoing worries over the readiness of the F-35 programme to meet Tokyo’s aim of inducting a new aircraft around 2015.
That leaves the Typhoon, Super Hornet and Boeing’s F-15 Silent Eagle, which are being considered under a request for information as well. Japan’s irritation with the USA over its stance on the F-22 could help the Typhoon.

flightglobal

Japón interesado en el Global Hawk/ Japan interested in buying three Global Hawks

El Ministerio de Defensa de Japón está interesado en adquirir tres aviones sin piloto UAV Global Hawk, en el periodo fiscal 2011-2015.
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The Japanese defense ministry is interested in buying three Global Hawk UAVs. Officials hope to have funds allocated in its Mid-Term Defense Program for fiscal 2011-2015
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Japón rehúsa construir F-15J de reconocimiento/ Japan abandons plan to create reconnaissance version of F-15J

Tokyo ha decidido no seguir adelante con el contrato firmado con Toshiba para modificar el F-15J con capacidad de reconocimiento, y mediante el cual el primer avión se esperaba para el otoño de 2010.
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Tokyo has decided to cancel a contract with Toshiba to modify the F-15J with reconnaissance capabilities.
Toshiba was awarded several contracts, in 2007 and 2008, amounting to 10 billion yen to add optical and infrared cameras to the Eagle. The first aircraft was expected to be delivered around this time.
However, the company requested to delay till 2012 as it has difficulties obtaining clearances for the parts. The Japanese government then decided to abandon the project as it is unlikely for Toshiba to obtain the necessary clearances.
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Nuevo "destructor" de la Marina de Japón/ Major improvements over Hyuga class on Japan new destroyer

El tercer "destructor porta aeronaves" de la Marina Japonesa muestra visibles mejoras respecto a los anteriores buques de la clase Hyuga.
El nuevo buque, 22DDH, tiene una eslora de 248, y desplaza más de 24.000 tons, lo que le hace un 50 % mayor que la clase Hyuga. Su superestructura es similar, pero contiene un silo para misiles de lanzamiento vertical de defensa aérea. Para la defensa de punto montan tres Phalanx Mk 15 y dos lanzadores de misiles SAM, en lugar de los dos Phalanx anteriores.
Una de las razones del incremento en el tamaño, podría ser la previsión de dotar al buque con el V-22 y el F-35B de despegue y aterrizaje vertical, además de la posibilidad de portar UAV.
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Rumors that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's third "aircraft carrying destroyer" would mark a major improvement in size and capability over the Hyuga class ships now entering service have been confirmed.
The new 22DDH will be 248 meters long and 39 meters in beam, and displace more than 24,000 tons. This makes her almost 50 percent larger than the Hyuga class. The superstructure is very similar to that of the Hyuga class with the difference that the 01 deck is extended forward, probably to accommodate a vertical launch silo for air defense missiles. The point defenses of the new ships are more than doubled, with three Phalanx Mk 15 mountings and two RAM launchers replacing the pair of Phalanx mounts on the older ship.
One of the reasons for the increase in size of the 22DDH design could be a planned shift to the V-22 Osprey and the F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, and, provision for the operation of UAV.

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Japón vigilará estrechamente movimientos de Armada China/Japan Defense Chief Plan to Monitor China Navy

El secretario de Defensa de Estados Unidos y su colega de Japón, acordaron trabajar juntos en la vigilancia de los movimientos de la Armada China, que ha realizado recientemente movimientos preocupantes y sospechosos.
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U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and his Japanese counterpart agreed to work together to watch movements by China’s navy after recent military exercises raised concerns.
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Japón está buscando un nuevo helicóptero SAR/Japan to make request for military search and rescue helicopters

Japón emitirá un requerimiento de información para un nuevo helicóptero SAR en junio, para la sustitución de algunos de los UH-60J en servicio. El aparato elegido, deberá tener mas capacidad de carga y mayor alcance.
Los UH-60J que prestan actualmente servicio fueron fabricados por Mitsubishi Heavy Industries en Japón, bajo licencia de Sikorsky, con primeras entregas a principios de los 90.
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Japan is planning to issue a request for proposals in June for search and rescue helicopters to equip its air force and navy to replace some of the UH-60J.
It would be clear in the RFP that the new aircraft to have more capability in terms of range and payloads.
Japan's current UH-60Js were built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries under licence from Sikorsky. The helicopter is based on the US company's S-70 Seahawk and deliveries started in the early 1990s.
www.flightglobal.com

Industria aeronáutica japonesa en peligro por el retraso en el programa FX /Japan's FX delay threatens gap in fighter production

El retraso de Japón en la decisión de adquirir un nuevo caza (programa FX), que debía haberse producido en abril, pone en peligro la industria aeronáutica japonesa.
El único caza que se fabrica actualmente en Japón es el Mitsubishi F-2, cuya línea de producción se cerrará en Septiembre de 2011.
www.flightglobal.com
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Japan has failed to issue a request for proposals for new fighter aircraft, leaving the country's defence manufacturing industry in limbo.
The failure to issue the RFP in April, as had been widely anticipated, has also meant the FX fighter programme is now likely to miss Tokyo's 2011-12 budget and will have to wait another year.
Mitsubishi also wants a decision as soon as possible, because its F-2 production line will close in September 2011. Based on Lockheed's F-16, the licence-built F-2
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Japón recibe C-130H modificado a cisterna/Boeing delivers C-130H tanker to Japan

Boeing, Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) y Cobham Mission Systems han entregado un C-130H reconvertido a cisternas a la Fuerza Aérea de Autodefensa Japonesa(JASDF).
KHI modificó el C-130H para incorporar pods y equipos para reabastecimiento en vuelo.
Tras las pruebas, el avión se utilizará para reabastecimiento en vuelo de la flota de helicópteros de rescateUH-60J.
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Boeing,Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) and Cobham Mission Systems have delivered a C-130H aerial refuelling tanker to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
The delivery actually took place in late February at KHI’s Gifu Works after modification and acceptance for testing - KHI modified the C-130H to incorporate Cobham air-to-air refuelling pods and Boeing-designed modifications affecting the structure, wiring and fuel system.
The tanker will now move onto operational testing with the JASDF and be used for aerial refuelling of the UH-60J search and rescue helicopter fleet.
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Japón alerta de la presencia de buques de guerra de China cerca de sus costas/Japan wary of Chinese military vessels

Dos submarinos chinos y varios buques de superficie fueron detectados en aguas internacionales, a unas 90 millas de la isla de Okinawa el pasado 10-11 de abril, y Tokyo está investigando que hacían estos buques en la zona.
Los encontronazos entre la Marina China y la Marina Japonesa están yendo en aumento. Ambos países reclaman la soberanía de aguas con grandes depósitos de gas en la región.
En la zona de Okinawa existen docenas de bases norteamericanas con mas de 47.000 militares. El ministro de defensa japonés ha declarado que se está estudiando la respuesta a esta acción.
La pasada semana, un helicóptero chino voló a unos 300 pies de un buque militar japonés que vigilaba unos ejercicio navales chinos, ante lo cual Tokyo ha pedido explicaciones a China por cauces diplomáticos.
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Encounters between China's growing military and the Japanese navy have increased in the waters between the two countries in recent years. Both governments lay claim to valuable undersea gas deposits in the region, which they have agreed to develop jointly.
Okinawan islands also have dozens of U.S. military bases. More than half of the 47,000 U.S. troops in Japan under a security pact are hosted on the islands.
"We are now conducting a detailed analysis and will decide on our response after a thorough investigation, including whether there was any intent toward this country or not," Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa said of the presence of the Chinese vessels. Last week, a Chinese helicopter came within about 300 feet of a Japanese military monitoring vessel that was in the vicinity of a China naval exercise, the ministry spokeswoman said.
Tokyo has asked for an explanation of that incident through diplomatic channels

KAWASAKI ENTREGA XC-2 A LA FUERA AÉREA JAPONESA/Kawasaki Heavy Belatedly Delivers Its First XC2 Transport Jet to ASDF

Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. entregó el primer avión de transporte XC2 a la Fuerza Aérea de Japón (JASDF), dos años antes de lo previsto.
The XC2, es un bimotor de ala alta, de 44 metros de altura, lo que le convierten el avión en el mas grande desarrollado en Japón. El segundo avión está previsto para Marzo de 2012. El XC2 es tres veces mayor que a del C1 utilizado por la JASDF. La Armada Japonesa está desarrollando su avión de patrulla antisubmarina, el XP1, utilizando partes del XC2.
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Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. delivered its first XC2 next-generation transport jet to the Air Self-Defense Force in a ceremony Tuesday at the firm's Gifu plant, two years behind schedule.
The XC2, a high-wing twin-engine plane measuring 44 meters in length, is currently the largest domestically developed aircraft.
The delivery was delayed because the fuselage turned out to be weaker than designed. The second plane is to be delivered by the end of March 2012.
The XC2's payload is about three times larger than the C1 transport now used by the JASDF. The XC2 is easy to fly and can have civil aviation applications, a KHI official said. The Maritime Self-Defense Force is developing the XP1 next-generation submarine patrol plane, which will use some common parts with the XC2.
Development costs for the two airplanes combined came to ¥345 billion.

JAL elimina 50 rutas/Struggling JAL to cut 50 routes

Japan Airlines eliminará 50 rutas, internacionales y domésticas, en su intento de volver a la rentabilidad. La aerolínea está siendo reestructurada con la intervención del Gobierno de Japón, tras caer en quiebra en el mes de enero de 2010. La aerolínea realiza actualmente mas de 90 vuelos internacionales, un tercio de ellos con destino en Asia. Las rutas a eliminar incluirían Sao Paulo, Milan, Bangkok y Pekín. JAL, comunicó pérdidas de mas de 2.000 millones de dólares en Diciembre pasado, y prevee eliminar mas de 18.000 puestos de trabajo.
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Struggling Japan Airlines expects to cut about 50 routes including international and domestic flights this financial year in its bid to return to profitability. The airline, being restructured with the help of a state-backed turnaround fund after filing for bankruptcy in January, plans to cut 29 international and 31 domestic routes by the end of March next year, the Yomiuri Shimbun daily reported. The Asahi Shimbun said in its evening edition JAL would cut about 50 routes in total. The airline currently operates more than 90 international flights, including code shares with other carriers, of which around a third are to Asian destinations. The routes to be cut include flights to Sao Paulo, Milan, Bangkok and Beijing, the reports said. The carrier posted a two billion dollar loss for the nine months to December and is planning more than 15,000 job cuts.

Concurso nuevo caza para Fuerza Aérea de Japón/Japan's Fighter Contest Heats Up

Después de años de retraso, Japón esta avanzado en el programa F-X para dotarse de un futuro caza. El requerimiento de ofertas, podría emitirse en abril. El F-X cubriría de 40 a 50 cazas que sustituirían a los anticuados F-4EJ Kai Phantoms; las primeras entregas podrían comenzar en 2015. Los competidores son el Eurofighter Typhoon, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet y el Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). La competición se retrasó desde 2007 debido a restricciones presupuestarias y escándalos políticos. La Fuerza Aérea Japonesa, también retrasó la decisión, esperando que Estados Unidos levantara el veto a las exportaciones del F-22 Raptor, que fue cancelado en 2009. La oferta debe incluir integración de equipos de fabricación local y una licencia de fabricación para Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, la cual finaliza este año la producción del F-2. Fuentes indican que no sería economicamente viable una licencia de producción de 40 a 50 cazas. Estados Unidos y Lockheed ya ofrecieron el F-35 en 2007. Boeing ofrece el Super Hornet.Alenia, BAE Systems and EADS, también han enviado una delegación a Tokyo para reunirse con funcionarios del gobierno japonés. Europa ve una oportunidad en Japón, tras las nuevas relaciones establecidas entre Japón y Estados Unidos, después de la victoira del Partido democrático Japonés, que ya ha tenido varios desacuerdos con Estados Unidos. Entre otras cosas, aspira a reducir la presencia militar americana en Japón. El Rafale no entrará en la competición.
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After years of delay, Japan is moving forward on the F-X multirole fighter competition, and a request for proposals (RfP) could be issued as early as next month.
The F-X fills a requirement for 40 to 50 fighters to replace aging F-4EJ Kai Phantoms; first deliveries could begin in 2015 if a decision is made this year.
Contenders include the Eurofighter Typhoon, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The competition has been delayed since 2007 due to budgetary constraints, political bickering and procurement scandals. The Japan Air Force also delayed the decision, hoping the U.S. would release exports of the F-22 Raptor, but production was canceled last year.
Sources indicate the RfP includes dual-engines for extended operations over water, a local role in the integration of the active electronically scanned array radar, an indigenous weapon system and licensed production by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which is facing a drop in work once production of the F-2 fighter ends.
One defense industry source in Tokyo expressed doubts that licensed production of only 40 to 50 fighters would be economically viable. The U.S. government and Lockheed responded to Japan's formal request for F-35 data in 2007. Boeing is offering Japan licensed production of the Block II Super Hornet.
The push to sell the Typhoon to Japan is led by Alenia, BAE Systems and EADS, which also sent a delegation to Tokyo this month to meet with industry and government officials.
The Europeans see an opportunity in Japan as the new Tokyo government grapples with Washington over the U.S. military base on Okinawa and other political issues. In 2009, the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) unseated the long-standing Liberal Democratic Party and has since threatened to reduce the U.S. military presence.
"For Eurofighter, it wouldn't be easy as U.S. links there are strong and deep, but there is a feeling that the offer will be evaluated in a more neutral environment," a Eurofighter industry source said. "The Eurofighter position has also been helped by the good political support for the sale from the four Eurofighter nations."
However, Japan has never bought European fighters, and some say interest in the Eurofighter is nothing more than a ploy.
The Rafale fighter will not be competing

BOEING ENTREGA EL CUARTO KC-767 A JAPON/BOEING DELIVERES 4TH KC-767 TO JAPAN

El pasado 8 de enero Boeing entregó el último de los 4 KC-767 contratados por el Ministerio de Defensa Japonés. Asignados al Ala 1 de Transporte de la Fuerza Aérea de Autodefensa de Japón (JASDF) en la base aérea de Komaki. El avión llegó a Japón el 20 de diciembre, procedente de la planta de Boeing en Wichita, Estados Unidos. Los tres primeros fueron entregados en Febrero y Marzo de 2008, y Marzo de 2009. La flota de Japón de KC-767 está siendo evaluada por la JASDF, y alcanzó la capacidad inicial operativa en Marzo de 2009. Boeing tambien tiene un contrato para suministra 4 KC-767 a la Aeronautica Militare Italiana, tres de los cuales ya están efectuando pruebas.

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Boeing Company on Jan. 8 delivered the last of four KC-767 aerial refueling tankers to the Japan Ministry of Defense.
Assigned to the 1st Airlift Wing of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force at Komaki Air Base, it is the third consecutive KC-767 tanker to be delivered to Boeing's Japan customer within the contracted schedule and budget.
The fourth tanker flew to Japan on Dec. 20 from Boeing's tanker modification facility in Wichita, Kan. The KC-767 is a military derivative of the proven 767-200ER commercial widebody airplane built at Boeing's commercial production facilities in Everett, Wash.
Boeing delivered the first three KC-767 tankers to Japan in February 2008, March 2008and March 2009.
The Japan KC-767 fleet is currently undergoing Operational Evaluation by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The fleet achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in March 2009.
Boeing also is on contract to deliver four KC-767s to the Italian Air Force. Three of the four tankers are in flight test.