The Japanese parliament is set to debate the procurement budget for the Mid Term Defence Programme (fiscal 1996-2000), which the government recently reduced by some ´920 billion ($7.4 billion), as part of its austerity drive. Approval of the new budget is expected to be given towards the end of March.

Among the cuts being proposed in the country's defence procurement list is a reduction in the number of AH-1S anti-tank helicopters for the Ground Self-Defence Force (GSDF) from four to three.

The GSDF will also only get nine of the 12 Boeing CH-47J transport helicopters originally requested.

The Air Self-Defence Force (ASDF) will also see a reduction in the number of Mitsubishi F-2 support fighters from 47 to 45; CH-47J transport helicopters, from six to four, and T-4 trainers from 59 to 54.

However, the ASDF will still acquire its four Boeing F-15DJ fighters since the final contract for their delivery has already been signed.

The Maritime Self-Defence Force will also still get delivery of all 37 Sikorsky SH-60J patrol helicopters originally requested.

Source: Flight Daily News