“The Aussies and the Japanese actively campaigned for the F-22, but the Air Force would not approve the technology transfer.”
Not entirely correct.
Congressional prohibition in place prohibiting export of the F-22.
An evaluation of making the F-22 “exportable” (software limitations, technology adjustments, networking ability, etc) have to be adjusted before being cleared through an Exception to National Disclosure Policy process.
The cost was estimated to be roughly $1 billion dollars to make exportable.
Cost prohibitive.
What if Linda and Juan want to give them away to moderate Syrian jihadis?