The F-22 Raptor, an iconic creation of Lockheed Martin and a pillar of American combat aviation, is facing its decline. This aircraft, a milestone in military aviation history, is recognized by experts and enthusiasts as the pinnacle of air combat platforms.
Inaugurating the era of fifth-generation fighters, the Raptor has been an undisputed benchmark in the skies. However, the inexorable advance of technology and military strategies points towards a future where the F-22 will give way to more recent innovations.
The transition to the sixth-generation Next-Generation Air Dominance ( NGAD ) platform marks the beginning of the end for the Raptor, with retirement plans planned for the 2030s.
The F-22 Raptor was conceived in response to the need for unattainable superiority.
The development of the F-22, which originated in the early 1990s under the auspices of Lockheed Martin, had its roots in the tension of the Cold War. During this period, the United States, the Soviet Union and China competed fiercely to dominate the aeronautical cutting edge with the creation of the first fifth-generation fighter. In this context, the United States Air Force prioritized the development of a superior fighter to safeguard its national security.
The Raptor stood out as the first platform to masterfully amalgamate stealth, super-maneuverability, and super-cruise capabilities. This aircraft, with a minimal radar cross section and equipped with F119 thrust vectoring turbofan engines, has dominated the skies, outperforming other platforms of its generation.
Furthermore, the F-22 shines not only in the stealth realm but also as a multifaceted fighter. Capable of housing a diverse arsenal, including ground-based precision bombs and air-to-air munitions, the Raptor has proven to be a formidable force in the air theater. Its ability to carry weapons such as Joint Direct Attack Munitions, along with AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, consolidates it as a fearsome adversary in any combat scenario.
Retirement of the F-22 Raptor: Between obsolescence and high costs
Despite the impressive technical specifications and outstanding capabilities of the F-22 Raptor, its retirement has become a topic of debate among military analysts. The United States Air Force argues that, despite its advanced technology, the Raptor’s design and avionics are becoming obsolete. Furthermore, they emphasize that the costs of maintaining this platform are disproportionately high.
The reduction in the number of Raptors originally acquired, from 750 to just 186 units, was due to a change in the strategic focus of the United States following the collapse of the USSR and its subsequent interest in the Middle East, a region where air supremacy was impossible. It was a primary concern.
Last year, the Air Force’s argument about the maintenance costs of the remaining 32 F-22 Block 20s gained strength. This situation led to the decision to redirect the funds, originally allocated for these fighters, towards developing the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, marking a new era in military aviation.
The debate over the F-22 Raptor in the context of global threats
The decision to retire the F-22 Raptors early faces opposition, especially considering the growing threat climate, such as those seen in the South China Sea. There is concern that, in the event of an armed conflict between Beijing and Washington before the 2030s, the F-22s could be crucial.
The US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee endorsed this position last year. A committee staff member emphasized the importance of keeping the Raptors operational as a measure to “mitigate risks” in the current geopolitical scenario.
Until the Air Force’s sixth-generation platform is fully operational, completely retiring the remaining Raptors might not be the most strategic decision. The balance between modernization and immediate readiness remains a key dilemma for military planners and defense strategists.
