No offense raptor, but you need to go check the facts as well.
The USAF alone has almost twice the number of fighter jets than the Russians. Then take into account the 22-1 kill ratio of the F-22.
So if they end up with the 170 F-22's then on paper thats a kill total of 3740 for the depletion of the F22 forces.
Yes I know its not that simple but thats what it would be on paper.
Then take into account the US Navy, who can lend their F-18's, marines as well. There is absolutely no need for a large force of air defense fighters.
Then you have to take into account that a large number of the Russian airforce aircraft are made up of Mig 29's and Su-27's All these fancy highly agile fighters you hear of are either still experimental or short in numbers. Now take into account the Russian airforce has a very poor service record so you can then take out maybe a hundred aircraft at any one time.
The bulk of the Russian airforce right now is made up of fighters which are matched and outclassed by the likes of the F-15 and F-16's. So silly spending isn't needed.
Especially when you consider the chances of an airwar against the Russians or even the chinese is miniscule at best.
The wars that are fought today require air support and precision strikes. The F-22 is not designed for this role. the aircraft that are, are getting to the end of their service life and the aircraft that is needed to replace them needs all the money it can get.
The most important thought behind this decision is not, ooh it can do fancy tricks, it is what can be the most useful aircraft to protect the lives of the men on the ground who need its help the most.
