The problem with the Raptor is that it arrivied too late. It was designed to do deep penetrations of Soviet airspace and be invisable to the most sophisticated of Air Defence Systems. Only problem, there isnt a Soviet Union anymore and all the countries we risk possible engagmentment with have antiquated Soviet Systems. Thus the "stealthiness" of the F-22 is no longer a crucial asset, espically when you consider the cost per aircraft. Furthermore its limited payload is a problem for any 'strike' missions. The F-35 can do both the AA and AG roles well and losts much less. Its also suited (with modifications) to carriers and SVOTL roles. The F-22 cannot do either. In short, as cool as it is we just don't need it anymore.

I do think the superior AA qualities of the F-22 might make it useful for any nation needing a pure defensive weapon. Japan and Taiwan for example...

Well, US can sure use the F-22 as one of it's main fighter jets against MIG-29 or SU-27!

Well, there isn't a Union of Soviet Socialist Republics anymore. But there still is a People's Republic of China. And they are going through military spending like tomorrow is the last day on Earth.

Originally Posted by 5.56X45mm

Well, there isn't a Union of Soviet Socialist Republics anymore. But there still is a People's Republic of China. And they are going through military spending like tomorrow is the last day on Earth.

actually　chinese military expense is 4,3% by CIA(officially)
this is too high.

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/...k/geos/ch.html

And, the arms development speed of China is terrible　fast now.
Just a new arm comes in a month.
and look chinese type 98tank.
ＧＵＮ is RUSSIAN ２Ａ４６.
Engine is British PERKINS Type CV12-1200TCA V.
GEAR is French SESM ESM500.
Do European have China drearm?

This news might be warning to such Europeans.

Yes they will probably sell it eventually to the most trusted allies, Britan, Israel, japan, Canada, etc. of course these will be modified to conform to the buyers special needs.
P.S. the RAF is getting the F/A 32, they have been in from the design stage.

I'm cool with that. Brits have very little baggage attached to them. What's someone going to do? Desert to France?

Originally Posted by raspsa

With the US now in its 4th (or is it 5th) generation of stealth technology with the F-22. With other countries not even having produced a successful 1st generation product, the only way anyone can catch up is if they can pirate the technology.. developing it on their own would take too long and be too costly. Selling the raptor is not worth the risk of compromising its secrets and losing one's strategic advantage.

Please give us examples of planes from the first 3 or 4 generation of stealth planes.

I thought the Raptor is a 5th generation jet fighter, rather than 5th generation stealth plane.

1st-SR-71
2nd - F117
3rd - B2
4th - F-22A / JSF


IMO

Originally Posted by masterblaster

P.S. the RAF is getting the F/A 32, they have been in from the design stage.

The F-35 won the Joint Strike Fighter competion, and the RAF will be getting F-35's

Originally Posted by Rabs

1st-SR-71
2nd - F117
3rd - B2
4th - F-22A / JSF


IMO

Cool. I never knew the Blackbird was stealth!