Japanese defense contractors will take the lead...

Japanese defense contractors will take the lead in a joint U.S.-Japan project to design an advanced jet fighter based on General Dynamics’ F-16, a spokesman for Japan’s Defense Agency said. The agreement on the project, worth about $6.5 billion in design and procurement contracts, came in talks in Tokyo between Defense Secretary Frank Carlucci and Defense Agency chief Tsutomu Kawara, the spokesman said. Japanese aircraft makers will be in charge of about 60% of the project. The Air Self-Defense Force, Japan’s air force, plans to order 100 of the new fighters.