Japan is a vital market for Boeing, with the country’s armed forces operating one of the largest F-15 fighter and CH-47 Chinook helicopter fleets outside the United States, in addition to being the first export customer for the KC-46A Pegasus tanker and V-22 Osprey.
In an exclusive pre-DSEI Japan interview with Atul Chandra, Vince Logsdon, vice president, Global Business Development and Strategic Marketing, Boeing Defence, Space & Security and Global Services, said Boeing is ready to offer innovative solutions to meet Japan’s military needs. Japan’s evolving defence and industrial policies offer tremendous potential for cooperation and shared growth,” he added.
Please elaborate on Boeing’s presence in the defence sector in Japan?
For 70 years, Boeing has been a major supplier of defense equipment and services to Japan’s Ministry of Defence. We are honoured that Japan operates many of Boeing’s products from sea to space, and are committed to providing the most advanced capabilities required by our customers. Notably, Japan has the distinction of operating one of the largest fleets of F-15 fighters and the largest CH-47 Chinook helicopter fleet outside the United States. It is also the first international customer of both the KC-46A Pegasus tanker and V-22 Osprey.
Japan also occupies a unique position as the biggest supplier to Boeing outside the United States, comprising more than 150 companies. Underscoring the strength of our relationship, Japan’s fleet of F-15 fighters, and Chinook and Apache helicopters were made under license by our partner companies here, and around 300 Boeing airplanes now fly in defense of Japan. We’re proud of Boeing’s deep and enduring relationship with Japan, and look forward to future opportunities to cooperate on innovative solutions in Japan and beyond.
How is the KC-46 and F-15 upgrade programme for Japan progressing?
Boeing delivered the first of six contracted KC-46A tankers to the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) in October 2021, marking the program’s first delivery to a customer outside the United States. We delivered a second aircraft in February 2022. We were excited to recently see the aircraft’s first public display.
The F-15J Upgrade Program will deliver JASDF the very latest cockpit, weapons and mission systems available from today’s production F-15’s. This operational capability and survivability against current and future threats will support the defence of Japan for decades. Boeing is honoured to integrate the development, test and evaluation program in support of MHI and USAF.
What are Boeing’s key offerings related to airborne and naval systems for the JASDF and JMSDF?
In addition to supporting the current F-15, CH-47, KC-46A and V-22 programs for Japan, we are ready to offer innovative solutions to meet the needs of JASDF and JMSDF.
We are offering T-7 to global customers, most recently Australia, for advanced pilot training solutions. It’s cost-effective, has a digital open architecture, a reconfigurable cockpit for easy updates, and ‘as-real-as-it-gets’ virtual simulation. And given that the U.S. Air Force (USAF) has already selected T-7A as its future trainer, it could lead to new joint training solutions between our two countries.
We are also committed to supporting customers transitioning from legacy AWACS configurations to next-generation technology in order to improve battle management capabilities and extend fleet life. Most recently, we received a U.S. Air Force (USAF) contract to begin development of two new E-7 AEW&C aircraft through a $1.2 billion Undefinitized Contract Action. With this contract, the USAF will join a global ecosystem of 14 operational aircraft that have a maximum unfuelled flight time of about 9 hours and a range of 3,000 nautical miles. The Republic of Korea Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Turkish Air Force, and soon the Royal Air Force, utilize the E-7 and its proven next generation airborne surveillance, communication and battle management capabilities that are second-to-none.
Our portfolio of autonomous solutions, including Insitu’s ScanEagle and Integrator family of systems, continues to resonate with several customers in Asia Pacific to provide persistent ISR for earlier detection. Japan is among several countries presently operating Scan Eagle and the Wave Glider autonomous surface vehicle, produced by our subsidiary Liquid Robotics.
What are Boeing’s future plans for the Japanese market?
Japan’s evolving defense and industrial policies offer tremendous potential for cooperation and shared growth. We are ready to offer solutions that improve the operational capability and efficiency of the Self Defense Forces. In addition to survivable and AI-enabled equipment that deter and defend against threats, cost-effective training and sustainment will deliver the efficiency needed for a modernized defense force. Partnering with Japan’s industry for a digital product lifecycle will deliver new ways of working that strengthen the entire aerospace industry.
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