If we won't do it now, just imagine Barry's attitude

DHIMMIS by nature! Why are we afraid?

F-22s in high demand by Asian allies; U.S. balks out of deference to China

East-Asia-Intel.com, April 10, 2008

The Pentagon is continuing to block sales of its frontline F-22 jet aircraft despite demands for the plane from such key allies as Japan and Australia, according to U.S. officials.

The F-22 is considered the most advanced aircraft in the American arsenal and is a key element of the Pentagon's "hedge" strategy against China. The stealth fighter bomber is believed to have unmatched capabilities to penetrate Chinese air defenses and thus is viewed by Beijing as a major threat.

F-22s [ZOOM]

Australia's government said publicly in March that it wanted to buy the F-22, and Japanese officials have appealed directly to President Bush for the aircraft, which can carry very large bomb loads over long distances.

However, political considerations, namely fears of upsetting China, are key factors in turning down the requests. The Bush administration has adopted conciliatory policies toward China and fears that F-22 sales would provoke Beijing.

What are we afraid of, no more cheap flip flops at Walmart?

Chinese military writings have stated that the F-22 is part of a plan by China's enemies to encircle the communist power and contain its rise.

Well, maybe more along the lines of deterrence w rgd to Taiwan where a large proportion of our motherboards etc. are coming from.

Washington has told Japan that before it considers selling the F-22, Tokyo must first disclose its plans for dealing with a future threat from China.

Okay, that's interesting. Especially since the Japanese have been FAR more determined and realistic w rgd to NoKo than we have been, but they HAVE suffered some serious security leaks of critical naval secrets we share with them in the last year or so.

The F-22 is barred for export under 1998 legislation designed to prevent the export of sensitive U.S. technology. However, the Air Force would like to produce an export version of the F-22. The service hopes to buy nearly 400 of the advanced jets.

That's what the Air Force may hope, but moronic deputy Sec Gordon England of the Coughlin affair says 183 will do to replace all 800+ F-15's we have. So soon, I suppose, we will develop an aircraft which can defeat the world, so we will need only one.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in February that he has not examined the export of F-22s to Australia because of the legislation. He noted that "the complications would be the question about whether a new design would be required for export."

Asked if the lack of any similar action on Japan's request for F-22s signaled that the Pentagon is not taking a proactive stance on the request, Gates replied: "l would say that's a fair statement."

Add Israel to that mix.

On balance I think the more of these that are in the hands of allies will benefit us, EVEN IF we have to create an export version...so why delay...START NOW. At worst parts commonality will drive the price our those we buy down significantly, and considering how much more of ALL BUDGETS now go into fuel, we had better be thinking straight, lest we turn into 18th century Spain.