Japan's Defense Ministry is reportedly mulling a plan to purchase additional F-35 stealth fighter jets to replace other aircraft in its Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
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​Japan's Mainichi Shimbun daily reported on Sunday that the ministry is considering the plan to buy dozens of more F-35s to replace the JASDF fleet such as the Boeing F-15 Eagle.
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​The reported move comes after United States President Donald Trump urged Japan to purchase more of the aircraft during his trip to Japan last month, saying "it's a lot of jobs for the U.S. and a lot of safety for Japan."
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​Japan, which has already been purchasing 42 F-35As from Lockheed Martin, is reportedly considering buying F-35Bs, which are capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings.