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2006-02-20 Home Front: Politix

Air Force Plans to Sell F-22As to Allies

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Posted by ed 2006-02-20 06:47|| || Front Page|| [3 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 I don't know - I'm not a fan of sharing our #1, tip-top, absolute best technology with anyone. Except maybe England, and even maybe not, these days.

Posted by gromky 2006-02-20 08:49|| 2006-02-20 08:49|| Front Page Top

#2 Is there any ally out there besides maybe Japan that could afford them in any number?

Posted by Sleter Fluns1455 2006-02-20 09:23|| 2006-02-20 09:23|| Front Page Top

#3 Israel could do with a squadron.

Posted by pihkalbadger 2006-02-20 10:10|| 2006-02-20 10:10|| Front Page Top

#4 Israel can pound sand after giving so much to China. More than Clinton did.

Posted by Nimble Spemble 2006-02-20 10:11|| 2006-02-20 10:11|| Front Page Top

#5 I seriously think this is a bad idea. There is no telling what kind of spies may exist in other countries, especially Japan with it being so close to China/North Korea. Maybe 15years down the road when we've made HUGE improvements sell them the old ones, but not now.

Posted by Charles 2006-02-20 10:21|| 2006-02-20 10:21|| Front Page Top

#6 I remember when th US sold F-14s to Iran. I mean the Shah wasn't going anyplace, right?

Posted by tu3031 2006-02-20 10:23|| 2006-02-20 10:23|| Front Page Top

#7
Just one more reason to believe our civilization is doomed! Whether we do the Politicians first or the Muzzies, remains to be seen. Maybe we could do them both at the same time.

Posted by Nuck Fozzle2168 2006-02-20 10:48|| 2006-02-20 10:48|| Front Page Top

#8 these export versions should have the secret code writen into the software that allows us to shut down any or all parts tht appear menacing. imagine the fun at 20 thousand fet when the fans go quiet and all you hear is the starter whining away. and AAA won't make house calls; at least not in time anyway...

Posted by USN, ret. 2006-02-20 14:49|| 2006-02-20 14:49|| Front Page Top

#9 This is probably not something the brass is eager to do, but they are willing to do to keep the production lines open and amortize the per unit cost a little.

Posted by Iblis">Iblis 2006-02-20 15:12|| 2006-02-20 15:12|| Front Page Top

#10 Thanks for the leak; this needs to be aired out in the domain of PO! I don't see other nations flying around in one of our stealth fighters, or B2s. Like Charles (#5) indicated head on, let others watch in awe for a few years and then throw out the scraps for the wolves!

Posted by smn 2006-02-20 15:14|| 2006-02-20 15:14|| Front Page Top

#11 At a guess - and that's all it is - the brass feel then need a new human piloted fighter despite the very high expense.

Don't forget, however, that technologies like UCAVs are maturing quickly. By the time this is sold and delivered, if it is, it may well represent an important but NOT the most advanced capability we have in the air.

Posted by lotp 2006-02-20 15:19|| 2006-02-20 15:19|| Front Page Top

#12 Export versions are always a bit detuned, and they don't always get the latest upgrades. I'm not concerned about giving the good stuff to Japan or the UK; Germany's still on probation, though.

The Shah's F-14s didn't fly much after the revolution. It seems the Grumman maintenance techies did something nasty to the black boxes on the way out the door, and there was always the problem of spare parts . . . .

Posted by Mike 2006-02-20 17:54|| 2006-02-20 17:54|| Front Page Top

#13 It seems the Grumman maintenance techies did something nasty to the black boxes on the way out the door

Jeez Mike, I'd hate be the one to find that out

Posted by Frank G">Frank G 2006-02-20 18:01|| 2006-02-20 18:01|| Front Page Top

#14 Australia? The UK? Japan? Israel? Hell yes! We'll also be able to buy more. Maybe even Canada.

Posted by 6 2006-02-20 18:30|| 2006-02-20 18:30|| Front Page Top

#15 J-Pan yes; everyone else, fuck off

Recall the Euros eagerness last summer to sell weaponry to the ChiComs?

Posted by Captain America 2006-02-20 18:30|| 2006-02-20 18:30|| Front Page Top

#16 even our friend Israel was willing to sell to the ChiComs. I'd add Aussies to our never-fail friends list

Posted by Frank G">Frank G 2006-02-20 18:34|| 2006-02-20 18:34|| Front Page Top

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