US Air Force one step closer to decommissioning 32 aging fifth-generation F-22 Raptor fighters to save $3.5bn

The US Air Force, in its fiscal 2024 (FY) budget request, is once again trying to retire its old F-22 fifth-generation fighter jets. According to new information, the service is one step closer to doing so.

Here's What We Know

US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall says Congress has finally moved to allow the service to decommission several iconic A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in FY2023 along with the equally legendary E-3 Sentry. Although Congress has not allowed fifth-generation fighters to be retired in FY2023, chances are that a second attempt will succeed.

The US Air Force wants to retire 32 Block 20-level F-22 Raptor aircraft that are not in fully operational condition. Service officials say it costs $500 million a year to maintain these fighters.

Giving up 32 planes will allow saving $3.5 billion, and this money may be used for creation of sixth generation fighters being developed in frames of Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program that will replace F-22.

In total, the US Air Force wants to decommission more than 300 aircraft in FY2024. In addition to the F-22, they include the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-15C/D Eagle, B-1B Lancer, KC-10A Extender, E-8C JSTARS, E-3 Sentry, EC-130H Compass Call, EC-130J, A-29 Super Tucano and T-1A Jayhawk. Also on the list are HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and the RQ-4 Global Hawk drone.

Source: Breaking Defense