（Photos: Xinhua）

The Japanese government is considering buying another 100 F-35s from the US and upgrading the helicopter carrier Izumo for the upcoming jet fighters, the Nikkei Asian Reviews reported.   

With one single F-35 costing 10 billion yen ($88.1 million), the total price is expected to surpass $8.8 billion.

Business Insider reported the decision was made after another deal to purchase 42 F-35As, to replace the aging F-15s.

The first F-35A was deployed at Misawa Air Base in January this year. The F-35Bs to be purchased this time are capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings, which require a thermal-protective coating on the Izumo.   

The defense program plan is scheduled to be approved at Cabinet meetings in mid-December.    

The government also plans to introduce a “multipurpose aircraft carrier” as an attack aircraft in its new military plan. However, its usage and the number of jet fights it carries will be limited amid Japan’s exclusively defense-oriented policy.