The search for a replacement for the Mitsubishi F-1 began in 1987 with a contract by 1989. The project at that time was the JF-X and rather than go totally indigenous, the JASDF went with a F-16C clone idea. It took some time to get the technology transfer approval and licensing agreements sorted, but by 1996 the Mitsubishi F-2 program was on track. The aircraft looks externally like a slightly enlarged F-16 and it is, having a larger forward fuselage section, wingspan, area, and chord with extended tailplane area as well. The avionics are indigenous and so are several structural mods. Weapons are US missiles and cannon but the F-2 retains Japanese AS missiles, unguided rockets, cluster munitions, and other weapons or add-on sensors. The engine is a licensed GE turbofan of 30,000 lb st and the aircraft can reach Mach 2. The F-2 became operational in the early 21st century. The Mitsubishi F-3 (once known as the FFX) will be an indigenous stealth design (a RCS model has already been built full-scale).

http://forum.globaltimes.cn/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7508&d=1256192095 Mitsubishi RCS model: http://aviationweek.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/06/05/rcsmodel.jpg