Lockheed Martin is ready to support the fifth-generation F-22 Raptor fighters for 10 years longer than the US Air Force plans to maintain them

The US Air Force wants to start retiring the fifth-generation F-22 Raptor fighter jets. Congress is likely to block the aircraft's decommissioning again, and Lockheed Martin says it is prepared to support the F-22 for 10 years longer than planned.

Here's What We Know

As a general rule, military aircraft last longer than expected. In the case of the F-22 Raptor fighters, which are banned from export unlike the F-35, the length of time the aircraft is in service takes a back seat. The key role here is played by the unique capabilities that make air supremacy possible.

Despite the desire to scrap the F-22, the U.S. Air Force is actively investing in the modernisation of the Raptor fleet. In particular, two years ago Lockheed Martin received almost $11bn for the upgrade of the fifth-generation aircraft. The modernisation affects open systems architecture. But the service prefers to keep the details under wraps.

The F-22 Raptor can already carry AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-120D AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. Lockheed Martin is also adding conformal fuel tanks and low drag pylons to the aircraft. More than 100 aircraft will be upgraded by the end of 2023.

Lockheed is prepared to provide support for 7-10 years longer compared to the timeline now. This means that the planes will be able to fly until the 2040s. However, the F-22 Raptor will eventually be replaced by around 200 sixth-generation fighters, each capable of operating in conjunction with two winged drones.

Boeing and Lockheed Martin (each on its own project) are believed to be working on the next-generation aircraft. Northrop Grumman, which built the B-21 Rider nuclear bomber, has already said it is not bidding to be the prime contractor. The US Air Force is expected to take delivery of the fifth-generation fighter in 2035.

Source: Defence One