F-22 Fighters For Japan

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. An F-22A Raptor from the 94th Fighter Squadron takes off here May 26 for Kadena Air Base, Japan. More than 280 Langley Airmen and 12 F-22A Raptors depart this week for their Air Expeditionary Force deployment, which demonstrates the continued U.S. commitment to fulfill its security responsibilities throughout the Western Pacific. This is the first overseas deployment for the 94th Fighter Squadron since transitioning to the F-22. U.S. photo/Senior Airman Zachary Wolf

From The Washington Times:

If Japan's long-standing effort to acquire the Lockheed-Martin F-22 Raptor fifth-generation superfighter falls victim to Washington power politics, the United States may inadvertently encourage an Asian arms race over which it may have little control.

It is fortunate for the United States that in what may be the last year a deal is possible, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye and his supporters have decided to lead an effort to reverse a 1998 law barring foreign sale of the F-22.

Through Mr. Inouye's efforts Japan now knows a slightly degraded export model of the Raptor may take five years to develop and cost about $290 million a plane for about 40, compared to the estimated $150 million the U.S. Air Force pays.

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My Comment: On the one hand we have officials in the Defense Department lambasting the F-22 for its high cost per copy and maintenance requirements, as well as also making the point known that this plane does not have a place in America's future defense requirements.

On the other hand when close allies like Japan indicate their interest to buy the jet .... these same officials are dragging their feet and making it not possible for the F-22 to be sold to another party.

My conclusion .... if the F-22 was not a crucial jet for America's future security needs .... they should be more than eager to sell the plane. But they are not .... in fact .... they are terrified that this type of plane becomes adopted by other Air Forces.

Something does not smell right .... and I can only speculate that it is the development and future production of the F-35 that is the main reason for why the F-22 has been put aside.