The F-22 Raptor fighter jet, which is expected to be replaced by the ‘Next Generation Air Dominance’ (NGAD) aircraft, has demonstrated its position as a key warplane in the United States Air Force (USAF) inventory.
In a recent show of force and growing military integration, the Raptors participated in Australia’s large military drill, ‘Pitch Black 2024.’ The US Air Force sent six F-22 Raptors from the 27th Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., to Tindal last month—marking the first time the F-22A took part in this exercise.
The USAF noted that the Raptors flew about 80 sorties throughout the drills while integrating with 19 other countries. The USAF maintains that the F-22A has a distinct advantage in any combat scenario due to its advanced stealth technology, remarkable maneuverability, and ability to supercruise.
The service said in its official statement that “Its deployment in Exercise Pitch Black allows European and Pacific Forces alike to experience firsthand the operational advantages it brings, fostering interoperability and enhancing collective defense strategies.”
The deployment is of considerable importance, as Australia could potentially support the United States in the event of an expanded Indo-Pacific conflict involving China.
The service said in its official statement that “Its deployment in Exercise Pitch Black allows European and Pacific Forces alike to experience firsthand the operational advantages it brings, fostering interoperability and enhancing collective defense strategies.”
The deployment is of considerable importance, as Australia could potentially support the United States in the event of an expanded Indo-Pacific conflict involving China.
Nonetheless, the first-ever deployment of the F-22 Raptor to the Australian military drills is noteworthy, occurring amidst ongoing debates about its future within the military. While the Raptors were initially slated to be retired and succeeded by the sixth-generation NGAD by the 2040s, the current uncertainty regarding the NGAD leaves the Raptors without a designated successor for the time being.
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall announced on July 30 that the US Air Force would pause the Next Generation Air Dominance program for several months to assess whether it is “on the right course” with the fighter program meant to replace the F-22.
Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach, head of Air Combat Command, had said, “There isn’t an F-22 replacement.” “The F-22 is a fantastic aircraft. We’re actually planning several upgrades to the jet as we speak, and there is no official replacement to the F-22 right now.” He explained: “There is no official F-22 replacement. There isn’t. Because we haven’t decided…We haven’t done a source selection.”
