The F-22: Raptor or Albatross?

**Phoenix10** · 17 Dec 10,, 02:46

Interesting article. It questions why the F-22 has not been deployed to hot zones (notably the Korean Peninsula) in recent times. I have wondered the same thing for the same reasons mentioned in the article.

The F-22: Raptor or Albatross? | The Weekly Standard

What are peoples thoughts here? Has it not been deployed because we have so few? We don't want to show possible enemies how good it is? Politician want to keep their argument that it isn't needed to justify the cuts? Something else?

**Jimmy** · 17 Dec 10,, 02:52

What are North Korea's advanced air defense and air-to-air platforms again? Oh, that's right.

The F-22 didn't go to Korea because it's not needed there. We could bring F-4s to that fight.

**NUS** · 17 Dec 10,, 04:00

Originally Posted by Jimmy

What are North Korea's advanced air defense and air-to-air platforms again? Oh, that's right.

SA-6 and MiG-29.

The F-22 didn't go to Korea because it's not needed there. We could bring F-4s to that fight.

Are you sure?

**Gun Grape** · 17 Dec 10,, 04:05

Knowing what Jimmie does in the USAF I'd say "Yes, He's sure"

**NUS** · 17 Dec 10,, 04:14

Originally Posted by Gun Grape

Knowing what Jimmie does in the USAF I'd say "Yes, He's sure"

What does he do?

**Jimmy** · 17 Dec 10,, 05:01

Originally Posted by NUS

SA-6 and MiG-29.

Both of which can be well handled by previous generation systems.

Are you sure?

Training and support come into play here, but yes. I was really just making a point, but yeah I actually believe that. F-15Cs would make a mockery of those MiG-29s, even moreso than they already have.

I'm an AWACS guy.

**NUS** · 17 Dec 10,, 05:13

Originally Posted by Jimmy

Both of which can be well handled by previous generation systems.

Training and support come into play here, but yes. I was really just making a point, but yeah I actually believe that. F-15Cs would make a mockery of those MiG-29s, even moreso than they already have.

My question was about F-4, but if F-15 are in game, i have no more questions.

**Stitch** · 17 Dec 10,, 06:37

The MiG-29's are a credible threat by themselves, but I think what Jimmy was getting at was that due to a definite difference in the technology and training levels (that includes support services, like AWACS) between the two countries, we could probably handle the threat quite easily with '60's-era F-4's armed with (dare I say it?) AIM-7 Sparrows; no question at all with Eagles involved.

**Chunder** · 17 Dec 10,, 09:15

Originally Posted by Stitch

The MiG-29's are a credible threat by themselves,

Wonder what happens when they all start flying from Onchon.

Bit of a problem when you put all your best eggs in the one basket.

**Zinja** · 19 Dec 10,, 23:25

Originally Posted by Phoenix10

Interesting article. It questions why the F-22 has not been deployed to hot zones (notably the Korean Peninsula) in recent times. I have wondered the same thing for the same reasons mentioned in the article.

The F-22: Raptor or Albatross? | The Weekly Standard

What are peoples thoughts here? Has it not been deployed because we have so few? We don't want to show possible enemies how good it is? Politician want to keep their argument that it isn't needed to justify the cuts? Something else?

Personally i think the reason is political. Sending such an offensive weapon as the F-22 could easily escalate the situation. It could easily manifest as the equivalent of the Soviets stationing nuclear tipped missiles in Cuba. Also remember, the Chinese are not fond of having the F-22s roaming around its vicinity. The last time the F-22s deployed to Japan when NK tested their ballistic missile, the Chinese were not amused at all.

**Phoenix10** · 20 Dec 10,, 03:54

Originally Posted by Zinja

Personally i think the reason is political. Sending such an offensive weapon as the F-22 could easily escalate the situation. It could easily manifest as the equivalent of the Soviets stationing nuclear tipped missiles in Cuba. Also remember, the Chinese are not fond of having the F-22s roaming around its vicinity. The last time the F-22s deployed to Japan when NK tested their ballistic missile, the Chinese were not amused at all.

That's an interesting take, Zinja. Also, Jimmy, I think you're right that the F-22 is overkill for that theater as it is currently. There are likely other factors but these two, especially together, make sense for why it wasn't deployed.

I understand that the Raptor is first and foremost an investment against FUTURE threats but for the sake of discussion, what are likely scenarios in which the Raptor would be a sure bet for deployment in the near term? Maybe Iran (if they ever get S-300 from Russia or 3rd party)? Of course the "China vs Taiwan" scenario...What else?