In 2023, the outlook for the American flagship Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor appeared disheartening, but by 2024, the situation has notably improved. In military doctrine, there is a prevailing principle: “Every order is second to last,” and it seems the F-22 Raptor is poised to exemplify this axiom.
Recent fiscal year 2025 budget proposals indicate a commitment to the F-22’s continued operational role in national defense and cruise missile engagement through 2040. The allocation includes nearly $10 billion earmarked for comprehensive upgrades to the aircraft’s weaponry, communications, navigation, pilot-vehicle interface, and electronic warfare capabilities.
The delay in the “Raptor revival” is attributable to a pause in the U.S. Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, caused by budget constraints and a reevaluation of the program’s requirements. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall emphasized the need for a meticulous review of the aircraft’s design and operational characteristics amid financial strains from competing priorities such as the B-21 Raider and Sentinel ICBM. The ongoing debate over whether the fighter should be manned or unmanned could significantly impact its design.
This hiatus aligns with the Air Force’s broader strategy to ensure NGAD evolves in tandem with rapid technological advancements and innovations from potential adversaries. Officials are exploring ways to streamline the program to manage costs and adapt to a dynamic battlefield environment, potentially extending the NGAD development timeline by up to two years.
The F-22 Raptor’s modernization efforts present robust prospects for suppliers involved in engines, weapon systems, and maintenance services, ensuring sustained demand for parts and support. With the F-22 engaged in various global conflicts, its upgrades are increasingly focused on integrating cutting-edge technologies, offering ample opportunities for suppliers to innovate and enhance aircraft performance.
Pratt & Whitney, the manufacturer of the F119 RTX engine, has seen significant advancements. The F119 engine, powering the F-22 Raptor, has benefited from improvements in digital health management and maintenance protocols. Pratt & Whitney’s Usage-Based Lifing (UBL) program enables real-time engine health monitoring by integrating flight data with sophisticated maintenance algorithms. This approach not only boosts engine readiness but is projected to save the U.S. Air Force over $800 million throughout the program’s lifespan by optimizing maintenance schedules based on actual conditions.
The F119 engine’s durability and reliability have been demonstrated through rigorous testing simulating operational conditions. In 2019, Pratt & Whitney reported a fleet-wide engine readiness rate of 95 percent, highlighting the engine’s advanced design and engineering prowess. Continuous performance enhancements and reduced production costs solidify the F119 as a premier turbofan engine, reinforcing the F-22’s superiority in modern aerial combat and laying a solid foundation for future technological advancements.
Raytheon is advancing the F-22’s capabilities with upgrades to the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), which is employed across 14 fighter platforms globally, including the F-22. The AIM-120D-3 variant offers improved range and enhanced resistance to enemy radar jamming and countermeasures.
Speculation surrounds recent sensor upgrade contracts awarded to Raytheon, with some analysts conjecturing that these might pertain to the F-22, although this remains unconfirmed.
Initially designed for air superiority, the F-22 has consistently demonstrated exceptional agility, stealth, and combat effectiveness. Ongoing upgrades and maintenance will ensure the aircraft remains a crucial component of the U.S. Air Force’s fleet, maintaining American airpower dominance amidst a complex global threat landscape.
However, the decision to extend the F-22’s service life raises questions about the future trajectory of military aviation and the strategic priorities of the U.S. military. While the aircraft has proven its value, its prolonged use highlights potential gaps in addressing emerging threats. With defense budgets tightly constrained and rapid technological progress, the U.S. Air Force faces the challenge of balancing the continued use of legacy systems with investments in next-generation technologies. The ongoing reliance on the F-22 underscores the pressing need to expedite the NGAD program and ensure readiness for the evolving complexities of modern warfare.
