The Beginning of the End for the F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighter

The Beginning of the End for the F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighter

Key Points and Summary – Despite playing a vital role in escorting B-2 bombers during the “Operation Midnight Hammer” strikes on Iran in June 2025, the F-22 Raptor is still heading for retirement. The aircraft remains a cornerstone of U.S. air dominance, but its small, aging, and expensive-to-maintain fleet was never produced at the originally planned scale. A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor backs away from a KC-135 Stratotanker after conducting an i…

Why the Air Force Has Only 143 Combat-Ready F-22 Raptor Fighters?

ANJ, September 10 - The United States Air Force's F-22 Raptor, a pinnacle of modern aerospace engineering, remains one of the most advanced stealth fighter jets in the world, yet its operational fleet is surprisingly limited, with only 143 combat-coded aircraft available. Designed by Lockheed Martin, the F-22 is a fifth-generation fighter renowned for its stealth capabilities, supercruise speed, and unmatched air superiority. However, the limite…