Oh my god! Why were they so trusting of him?! Was he promising to create a little mini America in Iran? But then again he was very trusting of Mossad. Anyways even if they got it it wouldn't have stayed in service for long. AFAIK SR-71's and A-12's need a lot of maintenance work.
USA Planning 20 Billion $ Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia
- Thread starter SaudiArabian
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Sort of like what the US did with MiG-25 and the S-300, right?
Well, after we saw what the actual capability of the Mig-25 was, we concluded that it was actually very primitive. There were no new technologies in it. But, the Blackbird was very advanced, so the Russians could have learned a lot from it.
Anyways, back to the original discussion. It looks like the Pentagon denied the F-22 to Israel:
http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2007/ss_military_08_01.asp
I believe we made a very smart decision by keeping the Raptor in only our hands.
SaudiArabian
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- #105
I actually think it would have been better if Japan got it that way you wouldn't be struggling to afford 180 of them. I don't see why they don't start looking at making an Su-35 equivalent out of the F-15.
I don't know though, because there really is no threat now to counter even the F-35. It's not worth the risk selling it to other countries, as the recent Aegis leak and Israel's record of selling tech to China. Leaks can happen with even the most trusted allies. Also, some weapons are just meant not to be exported. As I heard a poster on another board say, when we see the Raptor, we don't just see another fighter jet, we see the stars and stripes. The same goes for aircraft like the B-2 and SR-71. I think Japan was or is being offered something called the Super Eagle which would be equivalent, if not better, than the Su-35.
That's not true. PAK-FA is supposed to be equal to if not better than the F-35 and the Chinese are making the J-XX which (from the test trial videos) looks a lot like the F-22. An AESA equipped Su-35 with a reduced RCS (they made one go all the way down to less than 1m^2) would be a significant threat to the F-35.
Very true, but I don't think Japan will be selling any US tech to anybody (especially China) but if they do get an F-22 there is always the risk of it getting shot down by one of China's S-400's (very unlikely since there is almost no chance of a Japanese plane flying over China).
That's a very patriotic thing to say, i like that
.I never heard about such a deal. Do you mind posting a link?
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Never mind, the Super Eagle was offered to the USAF:
http://www.air-attack.com/news/news_article/2126/Boeing-F-15E-Super-Eagle-unveiled.html
But Japan did do this to their F-15's just recently:
http://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/523634/rss/
http://www.air-attack.com/news/news_article/2126/Boeing-F-15E-Super-Eagle-unveiled.html
But Japan did do this to their F-15's just recently:
http://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/523634/rss/
Grand Danois
Entertainer
I'd like to ask a few questions to you.
I think we agree on the US motivation for this arms package. But I do wonder a little about the Saudi motivation. I have previously argued that there is a rivalry or antagonism - whatever you prefer - between Iran & SA.
But it seems to me that most of what is already in the pipeline of arms deals should take care of Saudi defence needs. Alright, a few exceptions; the modded LCS would be a very useful asset.
Do the Saudi really themselves think that they need these arms; what is their motivation?
Will they accept or turn it down?
I think we agree on the US motivation for this arms package. But I do wonder a little about the Saudi motivation. I have previously argued that there is a rivalry or antagonism - whatever you prefer - between Iran & SA.
But it seems to me that most of what is already in the pipeline of arms deals should take care of Saudi defence needs. Alright, a few exceptions; the modded LCS would be a very useful asset.
Do the Saudi really themselves think that they need these arms; what is their motivation?
Will they accept or turn it down?
The Saudi motivation is
1) Take the position of the leader of the Arab world
2) Prestige
3) Iran
4) Israel
I really don't think any of those are better than the Su-35. And the F-15E+ is probably more of a A2G strike-fighter with enhanced capabilities than a A2A fighter. I was talking about some thing along the lines of the F-15 ACTIVE.
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Egypt.
SaudiArabian
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- #115
that is true and well known to everyone
yes the KSA conventional defense needs are huge because not all surrounding nations are peaceful. it is still at a state of war with israel and its relation with Iran is terrible and can turn into war in the future while the boarders with Iraq and Yemen are dangerous and been used to smuggle Al Qaida members , explosives , drugs , weapons and ammunition
personaly , the Kingdom should aquire nuclear weapons with new ballistic and cruise missiles and then cancel the new deals and spend that extra huge money on investment projects to provide it with income and make KSA less dependant on crude oil
that depends on the US side , it seems from the last visit of Gates and Rice that it will happen because the US doesn't seem to be putting any restriction nor asking for impossible political favours in advance
during their visit , Rice & Gates , Prince Bandar was in Russia speaking with officials on cooperation in Military and Technological fields.
obviously , this move by the Saudi government is to be used infront of the two US envoys that if the deal don't happen due to restrictions or due to political pressure over the Palestinian issue for example , then the next day they'll hear of is a Saudi-Russian huge armsales
SaudiArabian
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- #117
I'd like to ask a few questions to you.
That's a leading question, but in the end, I/we do agree.
IMO, the meeting that Ahmadinejad had in Syria with Assad and Nasrallah was a sign that Iran isn't so sure it has such a tight handle on things (i.e. Ahmadinejad is trying to hang on).
Iran needs Syria in order to form the "Crescent" that many believe is one of Iran's initial strategic objectives in the region.
Assad isn't very popular in his neighborhood let alone at home and he has many people asking, "what have you done for me/us lately" (from all that I've read). IMO, the large US offer isn't only directed as a show of support to the Saudis. Going "all in," and providing the entire ME with the "blatant perception/reality" that it's offering some big gifts to everyone West of Iran, except for Syria, is a tactic to isolate Assad and make him think about the direction in which his long term interests lay.
Under the circumstances, I don't think a Presidential visit by Ahmadinejad and sudden appearance by Nasrallah, to speak with Assad was some pre-planed military micromanaging session. Rather, it's my opinion that the entire meeting was a show of the pressure that is being applied to all three actors. Assad is essentially the only one who can fracture away (breaking the link) and survive--maybe with a nice aid package too.
If that happens, I think the implications for Iran's President and Lebanon become more clear... I'll leave this here for debate (I'm tired
As it goes in the ME: "Money, Power, Respect," and/or all that is implicit in winning the "Rivalry" that was noted.
If you're asking for the exact odds, you need to find a bookie for that answer? However, I don't gamble because at the end of the night, it always seems like the House ends up taking all the chips.
We (US) obviously have an interest in maintaining our status as the biggest "Whale," what Casino would turn down a customer like us?
-GD, this time "Take it easy... on me":cheers
-Izzy, congrats on the promo, bro!
I agree with what radiosilence said too.
I don't want to speak for him, but to expand on that (IMO), I don't think the intention is to drive Iran towards nuclear weapons. I think it is actually the opposite. (IMO) Olmert is weak enough at home, it's very difficult to even try to figure him out. Is a "broad front" possible right now? I don't know the answer to that question!? But I think the relations among SA, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, parts of Lebanon, and the GCCs, are better than advertised (perhaps a false impression of mine).
I see our "huge offer," being targeted directly at Ahmadinejad (excuse my spl?)... as well as Assad. The sanctions that are in place have taken a toll on Iran and he doesn't seem to have very much domestic (popular) support; as the pressure has increased his support will decline within Iran (Our thinking... IMO). I believe this is our final attempt to "push" him over the edge. Perhaps, it happens from within or maybe an offer that Assad "can't refuse" is made (he has similar pressure already) will pull Syria away from Ahmadinejad.
I think in the end, it comes down to, "Who can afford more friends"? I just don't see Iran being able to afford the same "friends" for too long.:unknown