US to sell F/A22 Raptors to Japan

[FranKieC]

I don't think we should ever export this aircraft..It is lightyears beyond any other aircraft out there.. I know Japan is an alli but I would never ever export this aircraft.

Any thoughts?

[biglouie250]

never mind that. North korea is definitley going to see that as us giving military support to japan.

[Kärnfysikern]

buisness as usual I guess. Everyone sells everything to everyone else nowdays. The world is either running american or russian warmachines... If america wants to keep up with russia in arms sales they have to continue to offer the best.

But I assume they wont be fully equipped

[Prada]

Yeah I doubt they will furnish the full capacity version and offer Japan the version which can exploit full potential. Japan is a trusted ally so I dont see to much danger in it.

[Animal Cracker]

Good. Maybe they can get them to function properly!

[Animal Cracker]

I don't think we should ever export this aircraft..It is lightyears beyond any other aircraft out there.. I know Japan is an alli but I would never ever export this aircraft.

Any thoughts?

To Japan, sell it- absolutely. The program is so far into the red, the govt needs to do something to turn it around. The program doesnt function properly, and Japan will be able to work out many of the problems, while acting as a regional buffer to N.Korea, while giving Jpan a bit more self-reliance. They already have our air suport via the Naval Air Facilities and the carrier from Yokosuka and the amphibs in Sasebo,-and their own Phantoms, and P3s...giving them a step up is a bonus for the US and Japan, while it furthers they development of the program.

[Phreak101]

To Japan, sell it- absolutely. The program is so far into the red, the govt needs to do something to turn it around. The program doesnt function properly, and Japan will be able to work out many of the problems, while acting as a regional buffer to N.Korea, while giving Jpan a bit more self-reliance. They already have our air suport via the Naval Air Facilities and the carrier from Yokosuka and the amphibs in Sasebo,-and their own Phantoms, and P3s...giving them a step up is a bonus for the US and Japan, while it furthers they development of the program.

Agreed. The United States already has aircraft at its disposal that are superior to the planes given. Not to menttion the Raptor is not exactly an inexpensive item to manufacture. It shows goodwill towards Japan, as well as a flex of the military muscle of the U.S. without having to be direct about it.

Besides, with the way the Japanese are revolutionizing miniaturization and computers these days, I wouldn't mind being in their favor come weapons technology time.

[singern]

I dont have a problem selling our technology to those strong allies which practice the rule of law, and democracy. Having said that I have to add that for bragging rights alone, I do enjoy knowing the US alone fly's this one.

[Damien_III]

The Raptor, although an amazing plane, is not the best and newest tech the Americans have. The F35 lightening II is close to being released. I got told by someone who worked at Edwards airforce base and now she works at Nellis airforce base the the F22 and F35 are still about 30 to 50 years behind what they are working on now.

Now thats scary.

[FranKieC]

The Raptor, although an amazing plane, is not the best and newest tech the Americans have. The F35 lightening II is close to being released. I got told by someone who worked at Edwards airforce base and now she works at Nellis airforce base the the F22 and F35 are still about 30 to 50 years behind what they are working on now.

Now thats scary.

Any links?