Japan's Choice: F-22's or F-35's?

[Geoff]

PLAAF'S SU-27,SU-30 could be potentially a threat to Japan's F-15. Do you think the F-35's would be a good choice for them?

Or would they like to consider the F-22's as their dominant fighter for the first half of the 21st century?

On a related note, will it be possible for the Japanese to acquire F-22's from United States in the first place?

[the gunny]

well, seeing as to how we sold them F-15's in the first place, I'm sure that our allies will be able to order F-22 and or F-35's once they become available for export.  Geez, long ago, we sold friggin F-14's to Iran. Really smart move huh?

[lem096]

i think japan would defiantly go for the f-22 as the PLAAF has an air force to rival the US (newer jets and better technology is on the way). the f-22 is with out a doubt a force multiplier as it is superior to anything in the sky today, but China and India are both buying up big in mig (India) and sukahoi (China) projects that were the Russian answer to the F-22(don't doubt Russian aerospace technology they weren't too far behind), they have the money to do so as well.

[the gunny]

We learned that lesson years ago in Korea, Vietnam. While the SU-37 is an impressive aircraft, it has yet to really be put to the test in something other than flight demonstrations.

The F-22 production model, (not the export model) is hands down a vastly superior aircraft than any aircraft that Russia or China has produced to date.  But that is only my opinion, and the true test will occur when and if they face each other off while armed with orders to shoot.