Forum: F-22A Raptor

idesof wrote:

PhillyGuy wrote:

Does Japan really need Raptors? Wouldn't say 100-150 or so F-35A's make more sense economically, capability, and security wise? Also, it'll be a sad day if Israel gets the F-22, it's bad enough that they're getting the F-35.

On what grounds do you object to Israel getting the F-35 and/or F-22, both of which will happen, by the way?

He's talking about Israel selling indigenous technology like the Python missile and the Lavi jet (which many Americans with low self-esteem claim to be American inventions) to opponents of the U.S. He fears China will have the F-35 and the F-22 as soon as Israel has it.

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Lasse wrote:

idesof wrote:

PhillyGuy wrote:

Does Japan really need Raptors? Wouldn't say 100-150 or so F-35A's make more sense economically, capability, and security wise? Also, it'll be a sad day if Israel gets the F-22, it's bad enough that they're getting the F-35.

On what grounds do you object to Israel getting the F-35 and/or F-22, both of which will happen, by the way?

He's talking about Israel selling indigenous technology like the Python missile and the Lavi jet (which many Americans with low self-esteem claim to be American inventions) to opponents of the U.S. He fears China will have the F-35 and the F-22 as soon as Israel has it.

Then he should read how the Pentagon has been selling surplus military equipment to middle men who then go on to provide that equipment to Iran and China, among others. I also think we can be fairly certain that Israel, at the request of the U.S., would excercise the greatest caution with secret technology related to the F-35 and F-22.

I just read Japanese Officals and Reporters have been given a close look at Langley F-22's before they head to Okinawa. Sounds like Japan is seriously looking at the Raptor after all............. Applause

Referencing a previous post: Japan was not given the B-1, B-2,or F-117 because it is only allowed to have a defensive weapons system, as someone else mentioned. Long range and/or stealth bombers can hardly be considered a defensive weapons system.

It can be argued that the F-15/16 are capable offensive weapons too, which has been proven 'round the world, but they can at least be used to protect the home islands without "projecting" power outside their airspace.
Granted, the F-22 can function as a long range stealth bomber; however it would primarily be an air-to-air long-range defensive system, unless of course Japan ammends their constitution.

On a side note; there is a book out there, by Steve Clancy I think, that deals with Japan (Ironically under the command of a man named Abe, which is the case today IIRC) gaining F-22's and using them to make a run on Siberian oil fields. Before anyone claims so, I'm not trying to say Japan would do such a thing- its just a good book, and the irony of the story line sorta fits here.

Forum: F-22A Raptor

Will Japan be the first export customer?