F-22 “Raptor” remains the primary air superiority fighter of the United States Air Force, as the development of the sixth-generation fighter is underway, people can’t help but wonder why the Air Force and the Pentagon are investing such a huge amount of money in the upgraded version, the “F-22 Super.”
The F-22 is hailed as the ultimate “first-strike” weapon platform, making its debut in combat against ISIS in 2014, and has been deployed as a rapid response attack platform at the forefront deployed worldwide.
The U.S. Air Force is working diligently to ensure the F-22 “Raptor” stealth fighter remains competitive in the next decade. In the Air Force’s latest budget for the 2026 fiscal year, they requested $90.34 million for a new “feasibility” upgrade program aimed at preserving the edge of the F-22 in countering evolving threats from China and Russia. With the Boeing F-47 as the core of the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) series still years away from full operational deployment, the U.S. Air Force is devising a clever and multi-layered strategy for its stealth aircraft.
This upgrade involves more than just repainting, it includes hardware upgrades, smart fleet management, pilot retraining, and difficult budget allocation decisions. The ultimate goal is to build a fighter force that always stays ahead of adversaries like the Chinese J-20 or the Russian Su-57 “Felon,” buying time for the arrival of sixth-generation fighters. Some military analysts also believe that to enhance combat capabilities in great power competition, the U.S. Air Force should have “more” F-22 fighters.
For decades, supporters of the F-22 have maintained that the “Raptor” fighter, with its stealth performance, speed, aerial maneuverability, and weapons systems, is the best air superiority platform in the world.
The F-22 features a round nozzle, boasting the world’s highest thrust-to-weight ratio at 1.37, meaning it has unparalleled vector control, acceleration, and aerial maneuverability compared to any other aircraft. In this regard, the closest competitor seems to be the upgraded Russian Su-27 variant – the Su-35, reportedly with a thrust-to-weight ratio of 3.0. Even with upgraded fourth-generation “Enhanced” technology, the Su-35 falls short of the stealth performance of the F-22.
The F-22 aircraft also underwent radar upgrades and is equipped with next-generation target designation technology called Infrared Search and Track (IRST), aiding in maintaining target designation capability in high-threat electronic warfare environments.
These are not the only capabilities of the F-22. Years ago, the U.S. Air Force initiated a program called “Rapid Raptor,” deploying F-22 fighters, aircrew, maintenance, and support to strategic locations worldwide to ensure that the F-22 can reach any location in the world within 24 hours in times of crisis.
Over the past few decades, the U.S. Air Force has collaborated multiple times with Lockheed Martin to maintain and improve the F-22’s stealth coating, as well as conducting various software, hardware, and weapons upgrades on the aircraft.
One of the most significant and successful modernization projects for the F-22 is the full fleet software upgrade – 3.2b, which has been in use for several years. This upgrade notably enhances the avionics, software, command control systems, and weapon systems of the “Raptor” fighter.
The 3.2b software upgrade greatly enhances the lethality and operational capabilities of the air-launched AIM-9X and AIM-120D missiles. This upgrade increases missile range, guidance, and accuracy, and strengthens the guidance system to withstand enemy interference.
The 3.2b upgrade was introduced to the entire fleet years ago. Since then, the U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin have continuously improved the sensors, radars, antennas, and communication technology of the F-22. For example, the F-22 can now exchange bidirectional information with fourth-generation fighters and securely exchange data with F-35 aircraft.
Currently, the U.S. Air Force possesses approximately 130 combat-ready F-22 fighters, with an additional 32 older Block 20 aircraft used for training. Initially, the Pentagon planned to retire these older aircraft, but following strong opposition from Congress, they now hope to upgrade them to current standards.
The planned upgrades include adopting an open mission systems architecture to expedite the integration of new technologies, enhancing stealth coatings to maintain low detectability against advanced radar systems, and installing a new AN/APG-77 radar.
These upgrades aim to extend the service life of the F-22 into the 2040s and expand the combat aircraft fleet by over 20%, considering the relatively small size of the “Raptor” fighter force, this will be a significant enhancement.
Defense News reported on November 17 that, according to drone manufacturer General Atomics, in a flight test on October 21, a pilot of an F-22 fighter successfully controlled an MQ-20 “Avenger” unmanned aircraft, demonstrating manned-unmanned teaming.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command told Defense News: “The test conducted by industry was a validation demonstration of manned-unmanned teaming concepts. Manned-unmanned teaming greatly enhances all-around capabilities, ensuring air superiority.”
The MQ-20 is a stealth drone that can carry weapons and utilize internal storage space to transport small drones. Its unique engine design makes it difficult to be detected by radar or infrared sensors. According to the manufacturer, the MQ-20 has the capability to penetrate enemy air defense systems and deliver 3000-pound precision-guided weapons.
As an unmanned partner, the MQ-20 aims to provide additional stealth strike capabilities to the already highly covert F-22 fighter. According to the U.S. Air Force, “No known or future fighter development matches its capabilities.”
(This article includes references from 19fortyfive)