http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/27/us-mhi-f-35-export-idUSBREA0Q0C920140127

TOKYO -- (Reuters) -- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is in advanced talks to supply parts for the F-35 stealth fighter to Britain's BAE Systems, in what would be the first involvement of a Japanese manufacturer in a global weapons program, according to people with knowledge of the discussions.

Any agreement on such a groundbreaking deal hinges in part on whether Tokyo will subsidize the manufacture of components for the rear fuselage of the fighter that Mitsubishi is seeking to supply as a subcontractor, the three sources said.

Mitsubishi, which made the famous Zero fighter in World War Two, has already won a contract worth more than $620 million for final assembly for the 42 F-35 jets now on order by Japan's military.

I wonder if this is the first step in the JMSDF running F35Bs off of their Carriers Helicopter Destroyers?