Japan Buying Jet Fighter

Japan Buying Jet Fighter

Recent rumours of Japan buying F-22 stealth fighter jet from United States has highlighted the unease with South Korea is viewing a milititary build-up in the region.If the US finally decides to sell the F-22 Raptor fighter to Japan it would be like opening Pandora’s box in Northeast Asia.

Despite Japan being restriced by its contitutions to self defence only,South Korea is concerned about its neighbour ‘s slow increase in military might in combination with the election of politicians such as Prime Minister.

South Korea is worried that if Japan acquires the jets,which at a price tag of at least $130 million each South Korea is can’t easily afford,it would upset the region’s defence balance and cause a leap in the already-accelerating military build up between China and Japan.South Korea is facing a tough time loking for ways to protect itself in Norheast Asia.The Country sees itself being pushed out from under the American defence umbrella,left to fend for itself with a nuclear regime to the North and military armament race between two more powerful and richer countries to the south.east and west.

Though the head of the Pentagon has dismissed the rumors that the US will sell Japan the jets citing a 1998 Congressional ban on overseas sales,there is still speculation that the deal may happen in the future.In a security meeting at the end of last month,Japan request information on the latest F-22  Raptor stealth fighter’s capabilities and equipment,and US Defence Secretary “hinted” that although stealth sales are prohibited by law,maybe the US consider an offer from Japan