The Japan Ministry of Defense has announced its selection of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II as the Japan Air Self Defense Force’s (JASDF) next generation fighter aircraft, following the F-X competitive bid process. The F-35A conventional takeoff and landing variant (CTOL) was offered by the United States Government with participation from Lockheed Martin. The initial contract will be for four jets in Japan FY 2012, which begins April 1, 2012.

Japan picked the F-35 jet as its next mainstay fighter, choosing the aircraft over combat-proven but less stealthy rivals, as concern simmers over North Korea and as China introduces its own stealth fighters.

The decision came as Japan and the United States stressed that their security alliance was tight in the face of worry about an unstable North Korea after the death of its leader, Kim Jong-il.

Defence Minister Yasuo Ichikawa said the decision to buy 42 of the stealth aircraft, valued by analysts at more than $7 billion, would help Japan adjust to a changing security environment after announcement of the death of the 69-year-old North Korean leader.

The security environment surrounding future fighter jets is transforming. The F-35 has capabilities that can firmly respond to the changes, Ichikawa told reporters.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has been selected by Air Staff Office, Japanese Ministry of Defense, as a potential domestic contractor to participate in manufacturing and afterservicing of Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF)’s F-X.

Test F-35s have been ordered by Britain and the Netherlands and according to Lockheed, Australia and Italy have committed funds for purchases.