In 1968, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force purchased 140 F-4EJ Phantoms. Political controversy arose over the "self-defence" force's having "bombers, " consequently, the aerial refueling and ground attack capabilities were removed (ground attack capabilities were restored in subsequent upgrades). Mitsubishi built 138 under license in Japan and 14 unarmed reconnaissance RF-4Es were imported. Of these, 96 F-4EJs have since been modified to the F-4EJ Kai (改、 "modified") standard with laser inertial navigation system, APG-66J radar and other avionics upgrades. Seventeen F-4EJs equipped LOROP pods and converted reconnaissance aircraft. These aircraft received a similar F-4EJ Kai upgrade as the RF-4EJ. As of 2007, Japan has a fleet of 90 F-4s currently in service. Talks are underway to replace them with Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft (as reported in the Financial Times in March 2007), since the sale of American F-22 Raptor is currently blocked by US export restrictions
