Ludes: Sell the F-22 to Australia and Japan
In an article written on April 20th for Defense News, ASP Executive Director Dr. Jim Ludes makes the case that while the F-22 may not be a necessary aircraft to continue producing for the United States military, it is the perfect model to sell to Australia and Japan.
This comes on the heels of Robert Gates’ announcement that F-22 production will be capped at 187 aircraft.
From the article:
Australia and Japan are the pillars of America’s security relationships in the Asia-Pacific region, and the U.S. has long expected to operate in concert with them in any conflict there. They are not aggressive powers; export of an advanced-capability fighter like the F-22 to them would not destabilize the region…
Their acquisition of the F-22 would enhance our ability to conduct coalition operations and ensure interoperability. And finally, both the Japanese and the Australians are reported to be interested in acquiring the F-22 for their own air defense needs. If they want to buy the F-22, we should sell it to them to enhance our own security and save thousands of American jobs in the process.
He goes on to make the case that provisions should be made to allow for this acquisition, and that if action is going to be taken, it must be taken now as a part of a broader regional strategy
