Tokyo, Muharram 25, 1433, Dec 20, 2011, SPA - Japan selected the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter on Tuesday to replace aging jets in its air force and bolster its defense capability, the Associated Press reported. "Our decision on the next-generation fighters was an extremely important one for our national security, and we wanted to acquire fighters with solid capability," Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa said. "The security environment surrounding Japan remains unstable and uncertain in many ways, and it is crucial to ensure peace and independence of our country," Ichikawa told a news conference. Japan is buying 42 of the aircraft under a multiyear deal. --SPA 14:55 LOCAL TIME 11:55 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/954332