U.S. eyes signing contract over Japan's F-35 purchase in June

WASHINGTON. May 9. KAZINFORM The United States is making final arrangements with Japan to sign a contract for Tokyo's purchase of four units of the F-35 stealth fighter next month, a senior Navy officer suggested Tuesday.

Vice Adm. David Venlet voiced expectation for the schedule at a hearing of the Subcommittee on Airland of the Senate Arms Services Committee. Japan plans to have four F-35 fighters delivered in fiscal 2016, Kyodo reports.

If the two governments seal the contract, it will pave the way for the delivery of the aircraft to Japan, which Venlet said will happen within 2016. Venlet also said the software program to be installed on the F-35 will be completed during that year as well.

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