Worse still, Western intelligence sources believe the Soviets themselves may be operating some of the more sophisticated equipment Moscow has exported to Iraq, like jammers being employed to try to deny U.S. and Saudi Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft vital information concerning Iraqi military movements.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Scorecard For Moscow's 'Double Game' In Iraq

Japan owns four Boeing E-767 airborne warning and control system aircraft.

WSJ: Japan: Russian Fighter Jets Enter Its Airspace

This would involve a multibillion dollar purchase of off-the-shelf American military hardware like Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft and tankers adding immeasurably to the defense of the Western Pacific, offering greater flexibility to U.S. forces otherwise committed to protecting Japan and helping to offset somewhat the yawning balance-of-trade deficit.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Security Policy In The Post-Kuwait World