Citing a report from Japanese newspaper Nikkei, AFP reports the countryâs defense ministry plans to test the engines in January 2015 and stealth airframe systems in April as potential components for the Advanced Technology Demonstrator-X jet.
The defense ministry wants to partner with IHI and Mitsubishi Heavy to build the engines within five years, according to the report.
Japan began to study the planeâs lightweight airframe designs and missile-firing systems in 2010, AFP reports.
The Japanese government is set to decide on the project in 2018 in compliance with the nationâs medium-term defense program, the report says.