Why Does the US Export the F-35 Lightning but Not the Older F-22?

US Air Force Maj. Paul Lopez, F-22 Demo Team commander, performs aerial maneuvers July 14, 2019, at the “Mission Over Malmstrom” open house event on Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Public domain

Doesn’t the F-35 incorporate stealth technology that was originally developed for the F-22? Well, yes… and no. Let’s dive into the highly classified world of top-secret fighter aircraft.

The F-35 is in the news again — this time regarding NATO member Turkey’s adoption of Russian S-400s — a surface-to-air missile that could pose a risk to NATO systems…