Weapons, Wars, and Worries
Andrew Navia
Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: Final Approach
As America continues to be enveloped in two wars that already lack public support, the list of potential adversaries from around the world keeps getting longer. Iran, North Korea, Russia, and China are a few currently in the spotlight. What would happen if we were to get entangled in another war, especially against nations that are much more technologically comparative to our own level than Iraq or Afghanistan are?Â
With the unveiling of Russia's new fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the Sukhoi T-50, also called the PAK FA, it is apparent that Russia doesn't want to fall behind the western world in terms of warfighting capability. The T-50 is not quite as advanced as our own F-22 (to which it bears an uncanny resemblance) even though it debuted over five years later, but it is still one step closer to challenging our air superiority.
The very next day after the T-50's maiden flight, Russia signed an arms deal with Libya for approximately $1.8 billion. In the Russian Prime Minister's own words, "it's not only small arms." Libya is rumored to have ordered 20 new fighter planes, though whether this refers to Sukhoi's new jet is unknown.Â
Russia isn't the only country making arms deals though, as our nation just announced $6.4 billion in military sales to Taiwan. Of course, this brought about some heavy repercussions in the form of China suspending military exchanges with the United States and threatening sanctions against American defense industries.Â
As the United States attempts to move forward diplomatically as the major world power in the 21st century, it would be pertinent to remember that we cannot please everyone, especially when we attempt to solve all of earth's problems ourselves. We are the greatest country in the world, and as much as we may wish to share such freedom, well-being, and happiness, we won't be able to make the world a better place all on our own.
With the unveiling of Russia's new fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the Sukhoi T-50, also called the PAK FA, it is apparent that Russia doesn't want to fall behind the western world in terms of warfighting capability. The T-50 is not quite as advanced as our own F-22 (to which it bears an uncanny resemblance) even though it debuted over five years later, but it is still one step closer to challenging our air superiority.
The very next day after the T-50's maiden flight, Russia signed an arms deal with Libya for approximately $1.8 billion. In the Russian Prime Minister's own words, "it's not only small arms." Libya is rumored to have ordered 20 new fighter planes, though whether this refers to Sukhoi's new jet is unknown.Â
Russia isn't the only country making arms deals though, as our nation just announced $6.4 billion in military sales to Taiwan. Of course, this brought about some heavy repercussions in the form of China suspending military exchanges with the United States and threatening sanctions against American defense industries.Â
As the United States attempts to move forward diplomatically as the major world power in the 21st century, it would be pertinent to remember that we cannot please everyone, especially when we attempt to solve all of earth's problems ourselves. We are the greatest country in the world, and as much as we may wish to share such freedom, well-being, and happiness, we won't be able to make the world a better place all on our own.
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