Are we more worried about enhancing our allies, or upsetting our enemies?

NSC's Hadley opposes exporting F-22s, even to close allies

East-Asia-Intel.com, June 12, 2008

White House National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley indicated last week that the United States remains unwilling to sell advanced F-22 jets to Japan and Israel.

Israel Prime Minister Ehud Olmert raised the issue of the F-22 purchase during meetings at the White House last week. The Israelis also may be interested in the F-35, which, unlike the F-22, is currently available for export.

Asked about Olmert's request, Hadley replied: "You know, there are a lot of countries who have expressed interest in the F-22. As you know, there's legislation that prevents it from being sold abroad, that's on the books."

Japan also has asked the U.S. to sell it the F-22, but the White House has balked over concerns that the transfers will upset China.

According to Japanese press reports, the Pentagon told Tokyo that before considering F-22 sales to Japan, it had to supply its war plans for China to the United States.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA), said recently that he would consider pursuing lifting the ban on F-22 exports.

"I'm a strong supporter of Israel getting all the material and equipment they need," said Berman. Asked about dropping the ban on F-22 sales, he said: "I certainly would look at it."