Japanese domestically produced fighter jets fly alongside F-16s.

The Japanese-made Mitsubishi X-2 stealth fighter jet is undergoing test flights alongside F-16 fighter jets to assess its aerodynamic performance.

Illustrative image.

A video posted online on November 29th shows the Mitsubishi X-2 "Shinshin" stealth fighter jet undergoing testing in the skies over Japan, accompanied by an F-16 fighter jet tasked with escort and filming. This was the third test flight of the Mitsubishi X-2, which took place on November 16th, according to Livejournal.

The Mitsubishi X-2 is an aircraft designed by the Japan Defense Research Institute (TRDI) to test stealth technology for fighter jets. The main contractor for the project was Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Formerly known as ATD-X (Advanced Technology Demonstrator – X), it is considered Japan's first domestically produced stealth fighter jet.

The primary objective of the X-2 was to assess the feasibility of Japan independently developing its own fifth-generation fighter jet. The aircraft was equipped with 3D thrust vectoring engines. The exhaust flow was controlled by three blades located behind the engines, similar to the American Rockwell X-31.

The X-2 version is equipped with a fly-by-optics control system, replacing the traditional fly-by-wire system. This system allows for faster transmission of control data and provides better resistance to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons.

Another unique feature of the X-2 is its self-correcting flight control system. The aircraft can automatically detect damage to the control surfaces or engines, and then the computer will adjust the remaining components, ensuring the pilot can control the aircraft normally.

According to VNE