Japan Set to Launch First Homegrown Fighter Jet Since World War II to Counter China

The Advanced Technology Demonstrator-X (ATD – X), a stealth jet fighter, which has been in the making for four years, is expected to take to the skies for the first time in January next year, according to the Nikkei Asian Review.

Japan's World War II defence manufacturer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is currently undertaking a final ground test of the prototype fighter also referred to as 'Shinshin', which it will deliver to Japan's Defence Ministry in April next year.

The government is expected to conduct further tests to verify the jet's capabilities before it decides on production of the aircrafts in 2018.

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