The F-35A is a stealth multirole combat aircraft with high maneuverability and the capability of detecting enemy missiles.
10 July 2020, 01:20 GMT
Japan is planning to purchase 105 such planes, as well as 42 F-35Bs, which are capable of short takeoff and vertical landing.
"We are considering a possible deployment at a base that already has a fighter jet unit. The Komatsu base is the main candidate," Kato said, as quoted by the news agency Kyodo.
According to the agency, the proposal will be put forward before the prefecture and the city of Komatsu. The number of planes may later increase to 20.
The Komatsu base hosts the only fighter jet squadron in the country. It currently has 40 F-15 fighter jets that will later be partially replaced with F-35As.
