1. Japan has shown interest in buying it. You get a better price if someone asks you to sell than if you have someone to buy.

2. Thousands of skilled jobs will be lost in Georgia, Texas and California, if somebody doesn't want more.

3.  Japan is searching for a replacement for its F-4s, in service since 1973. It would be better for Japan to

have a jet that we made than a jet made by someone else.

4.  Japan needs something to counter a fleet of Chinese jet fighters.

5.  Japan has deep pockets, maybe not deep enough...but...the Air Force originally wanted 750 fighters but now wants only 183. Somebody needs to pick up the slack for the $70 billion program.