BenRoethig

We need it and without additional orders we are going to be stuck with three wings and the Hawaii Guard due to the line shutting down. The other F-15 wings will either have to go F-35 or stand down. This is not singapore questing raptors, this is Australia and Japan. 70 Raptors to Japan (with possible production when they replace their Eagles) and 24 to Oz will keep the line open and help reduce the cost. So in other words sell to allies: possibly 360+ exports Raptors. Do not sell to allies: 180 Raptors and none stationed in the Northwest, Florida, or out bases in Japan or England.

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F/A-18E/F Super Hornet: The Honda Accord of fighters.

Chunder

What is your problem?

Several = 2 decads ago... = 1988..

Heres a tip... your well over 30 years incorrect.

What is the chance of Australia Reverting to Whites only policy? None? Much like the U.S Reverting to 'white only voting'..

I voted No. because if you give it to some, more and more want it...

When more of those countries would be far better off investing well balaced armed forces.

Chunder

NewZealand just don't have Fighter AIrcraft... But they definitely do have a military.

BenRoethig

Don't tell Helen Clark that.

Tin Man

I think somebody mentioned that there has been a precedent. The F-117 was offered to the RAF but it was turned down. I think this happened whilst the whole program was still "dark", if not black.

How about this? Close allies can have the F-22 but super sensitive technology like the ALR-94 and APG-77 get ripped out. The real secret stuff gets replaced with local systems. I haven`t figured out how to get around the F-119`s and RAM coatings/ IR suppression technology yet though, I will get back to you!!!!!!!!

......On second thought, that all sounds hideously expensive! Let`s get LM to produce a dumbed down version, overturn an act of congress, sell half of our Typhoons to finance a squadron consisting of two F-22s and close a hospital or two?

Aw, just keep it!

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"Liberty is a thing beyond all price.

glyn

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Semper in excretum. Solum profunda variat.

Tarek Morgen

I don't really think there is anyone (except the U.S.) who acutally needs the F-22 (as the job can be done by cheaper planes, of which they can also afford more).

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uh I might be wrong

BenRoethig

Thing is that Stealth is a game changer. If the impossible happens and PAK-FA is more than a pipe dream, those gen 4.5 typhoons become obsolete and vulnerable very quickly.

glyn

LetsTalk

I voted yes, below is the order of countries I would say OK to(if it was my choice). We need to bring down the cost of the planes to make them more affortable for the US Air Force, and I trust the below 4 countries.

Yes
1. Canada
2. Britain
3. Australia
4. Japan

Maybe
all other NATO countries in 12+ years
Israel (too dangerous, could complicate relations, and start new arm races)
Korea (same as above)

hello

Check this out. Japan's also launched a pipe-dream stealth fighter program like the PAK-FA. If it materializes into an actual plane, then it would've been indirectly caused by the U.S's refusal to sell Raptors after using them against Japan in wargames.

Even if(and after) these stealth fighter projects become something, the resulting aircraft will probably have the performance level of the F-117 or maybe the F-35. The F-22 would remain dominant for quite a while, therefore. Although the Super Hornet, Typhoon and the new-spec Eagles would meet a match in these, the F-35A/C and F-22A will probably maintain their edge.

LetsTalk

Thanks for the link, interesting news.

gunnut

I don't think it'll be too difficult for Japan to come up with something like the F-35, but with more A2A ability. Or maybe it'll be like the Rafale but with more stealth.

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"Only Nixon can go to China." -- Old Vulcan proverb.

Dago

The Japense have shown the will too develope a somewhat indigenous fighter. But have they learned from there past experience with the F2.

Japan needs more capability then the F-35. IMO But, any attempt at next generation fighter will see costs never experienced before. Look at the F-22 program. Japan is in a tricky situation. They can barely field 100 of the current F-2's, what makes them think they can field anymore at a attempt at a next generation fighter? They could stick with the JSF. Or, they can explore European and EADS Eurofighter. Somewhat like the F-2 Program. Joint partnership and technology transfer. Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing Japan with the F-22. Years down the road of course. Depending on the enviroment in Asia, and the emergence of China. Japan may explore some pipedreams but there still clinging too the hope of the F-22 to cure all there needs. We shall see.

Maxor

Personal feeling is that the US is shooting themselves in the foot with not exporting the f-22 with a lessor avionics package. The JSF isn't ready yet and is very oddly configured to be widely used without an air-superiority fighter in conjunction. This allows the typhoon to corner the market as it is a demonstaratbly better plane than the superbug. Though I'd rate the bug and the more updated flakers as fairly even competators in a head to head matchup they are very different aircraft and one would need to choose the one that fit their individual needs and political situation. I'm not sure if the saab gryphon is really that expandable but I do see a few more operators in the next few years as some countries will want to avoid tying themselves to a political block and it is a capable fighter. A export f-22 will still be a very nice aircraft, probably not as expensive, will help the airframe cost for future US f-22's and cause less agnst amoung allies.