Raptors in Japan: Implications?

"David Axe here. This post is the first from new contributor Kyle Mizokami, a writer based in San Francisco. Kyle will be keeping track of Far East issues for me. He debuts with this look at recent F-22 deployments to Asia.


Last week, six F-22 Raptor fighters from the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron traveled to Kadena Air Force Base (pictured) in Japan, where they will conduct air combat training with Kadena-based F-15 Eagles. It’s the second deployment to Japan in as many years for the F-22.

There are clear benefits to the Air Force in general, and the F-22 community in particular, to this overseas rotation. It’s also in America’s interests to rotate its best fighters to the far-flung edges of American power. But this deployment by can only whet the well-known appetite of the Japanese government for the F-22 fighter, an appetite whose satisfaction could only improve the prospects of a further Raptor buy for the Air Force."
War is Boring