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

Washington, July 10 (IANS) The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) 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, reports Xinhua news agency.The DSCA on Thursday said the sale includes 42 F-35B jets able to be deployed on amphibious assault shipsThe US State Department had already approved the sale before DSCA's submission.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 ksk/