Waiting For US To Ease Export Ban On Raptor

Japan will postpone its decision to purchase next-generation fighter aircraft until 2010, in hopes the United States will ease current limitations on the export of the new F-22 Raptor.

Citing a report by the English-language Daily Yomiuri newspaper, Reuters states Japan will focus efforts to upgrade its existing F-15 fighters while waiting for the ban to be lifted. A decision on new aircraft is not expected before 2010.

The move follows opposition by the US Congress to the sale and export of the Raptor -- even to US allies -- over concerns the fighter's advanced technology and stealth characteristics could be co-opted by less-than friendly forces.

There appears to be precedent for those fears. Last week, a Japanese naval officer was arrested for allegedly leaking data on the SM-3 missile defense system used by both countries.

In November, a top Japanese defense ministry official was arrested after he admitted accepting perks from a defense contractor -- including, by his own admission, 'hundreds' of golf trips.

Ministry officials were not available to comment on the matter, according to Reuters.

FMI: www.jda.go.jp/e/index_.htm