Mitsubishi Electric Enters U.S. Defense Market with Raytheon Contract.

On June 28, 2024, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced the signing of a pilot contract with Raytheon, an RTX company, to repair transmitters used in the APG-63 (V)1 radars of F-15 fighter jets operated by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and its allied forces. This contract marks Mitsubishi Electric's first involvement in repairing U.S. government military equipment.
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A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron, flies over Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 4, 2021.(Picture source: US DoD)

Under this pilot contract, Raytheon will assess Mitsubishi Electric's repair capabilities, with the potential for a future permanent service agreement. This development builds on the longstanding Manufacturing License Agreement (MLA) between Mitsubishi Electric and Raytheon, established in 2004, to produce and repair AN/APG-63 (V)1 radars for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).

The F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter aircraft developed by McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing) and introduced into service in 1976. Known for its exceptional maneuverability and acceleration, the F-15 has been a cornerstone of the USAF's air superiority fleet. It is equipped with advanced avionics, a powerful radar system, and can carry a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, making it highly versatile in combat. The F-15's maximum speed exceeds Mach 2.5, and it has an impressive combat range. Over the years, various upgrades have kept the F-15 relevant in modern air warfare.

The Japanese variant of the F-15, known as the F-15J, is based on the F-15C/D models and was produced under license by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The JASDF began acquiring the F-15J in 1981, with the aircraft entering service in 1982. According to recent reports, the JASDF operates approximately 200 F-15J/DJ aircraft. The F-15J retains much of the core performance and capabilities of the original F-15, including its robust avionics and weapon systems, although it has been adapted to meet specific Japanese operational requirements. Continuous upgrades have been made to the F-15J fleet to enhance radar, avionics, and armament capabilities.

Overall, the F-15 and its Japanese counterpart, the F-15J, remain critical components of their respective air forces. Both versions are designed to achieve air superiority with a blend of speed, power, and advanced avionics, ensuring dominance in aerial combat. Their continued upgrades and adaptations reflect their enduring value in modern military aviation.

The contract is supported by the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD), the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), and the JASDF. If a permanent contract is secured, Mitsubishi Electric plans to leverage its established manufacturing and repair systems developed under contracts with the JMOD and the JASDF.

This collaboration aligns with Japan's Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology, introduced in 2014, which aim to strengthen the Japan-U.S. security alliance. By engaging in the repair of U.S. military equipment, Mitsubishi Electric is committed to enhancing this bilateral defense relationship.