The 12 F-22 Raptors deployed from Langley AFB, Va., to Kadena AB, Japan, on the island of Okinawa, for the new stealth fighter’s first overseas excursion will be leaving Okinawa today, according to various news reports. A minor software glitch delayed the fighter deployment for a few days in February, but all 12 arrived at Kadena in mid-February for training exercises with Japanese forces.
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…