The Japanese government said it will buy its first midair refueling plane from Boeing, a controversial addition that would boost its military capability.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda said the Boeing 767 will be added to the Air Self-Defense Force squadron as part of Japan's current five-year defense program through 2005.
The purchase of three more 767 tankers, at about ?27.5 billion (US$216), is also planned.
Japan chose the 767 over a modified A310 from Airbus, the European consortium that is Boeing's primary global competitor, said Boeing spokesman Paul Guse in St. Louis, where Boeing's military aircraft and missile systems business is based.
"We believe this really confirms the 767 tanker transport is the optimum platform for the air refueling and transport mission," said Guse, who noted the program was launched in July when Italy selected Boeing to produce its tankers.
"Italy's first plane will likely be delivered in 2005, and Japan's in 2006, he said.
"Clearly we're delighted" by Boeing selection by the Japanese defense agency.
For years, Japan's ruling Liberal Democrats have pushed for the purchase of the Boeing planes. Japan previously bought 767s for use as airborne surveillance jets.
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