Is the F-22 Raptor still relevant in 2025?

The F-22 Raptor, a fifth-generation fighter, is facing a potential phase-out due to the high costs of upgrading it. The required overhaul would cost $11 billion, and its outdated computer hardware would need a complete replacement, not just a simple software fix. This makes it less cost-effective to continue maintaining the aircraft.

Additionally, the Raptor's radar-absorbent coating, essential for stealth, deteriorates at high speeds, increasing maintenance costs significantly. Operating the aircraft is also expensive, with a price tag of $30,000 per flight hour, further burdening the Air Force's budget.

Instead of investing in the F-22’s aging technology, the Air Force is shifting focus to next-generation fighter aircraft. This decision reflects the desire to prioritize more advanced, cost-effective options for future air superiority, rather than pouring billions into maintaining an aging fleet.

#F22Raptor #F22 #AirForce #MilitaryTech #NextGenFighters #Aviation #StealthAircraft #FighterJets
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[exospaceman]

F 22: man I’m old…
F 14 tomcat: first time?

[Boop__Doop]

Poland is currently frothing at the mouth for the chance of getting an F22

[dead-eyedevil]

F-22 Raptors are basically the “tip of the spear” for air to air combat. It does air dominance, the F-35 does frontline multirole and Killeen enforcement via drones, and the F-15EX is basically doing everything a stealth fighter can’t. If you want to talk money problems, talk about politicians.

[derbyjr]

Yeah and the F-47 is a $20 billion investment with each aircraft set to cost north of $300 million a piece. Restarting production of the F-22 would be a $10 billion investment, with each aircraft costing initially $216 billion, obviously getting cheaper as we make more. I cannot for the life of me understand our government, being given two options, and saying “Yeah let’s go for the one that’ll cost us $15 billion more”. Just restart the Raptor program, give us the F-22B, C, D, E, etc. Let’s go to 5.5 Gen before we go straight to 6th gen

[wastelander]

The issue with computers is they become obsolete so fast these days

[Chillforev-ddwr]

For people complaining about restarting Raptor production it’s all about capability. Listen I love the 22 to death it is the greatest air to air combat aircraft ever devised but China is catching up or “catching up”. Uncle Sam does not want to take risks and losing air superiority/air dominance would be costly so it is better to create a whole new generation of aircraft and leapfrog ahead of our opponents than to upgrade technology from the 90s. Like I said I love the F22 but it’s better to again be a trend setter and a leader than to be playing catch up.

[himadrishbaruah]

$11 billion revamp is much feasible than much more taxpayer dollars than new warplanes which is super costly.Beside the combat electronics is still apt and competitive with the evolving AI aerial battlefield.

[RobloxianX]

if the F-47s have been flying since 2020 then I think it'll turn out better than the F-35/5.5th gen

[Sigmafart]

Finally as a civilian i can own an F-22

[rebelbatdave]

Don't upgrade! It's Great as it is!
NO other plane can do what IT can!

[CosmicHase]

Fun fact, the entire apollo program costed 11 billion dollars as well.

[Cornonthecob-jb]

the F-22 is leagues ahead of any aircraft in the world and it getting replaced that just shows the technology America has

[xnz]

F22 is the king in air show, not in battle field.

[FeatheredDino]

The F-22, like all other fighters used by the USAF, receives constant upgrades. Hardware, software, etc. they never stop upgrading it.

[potato]

Dosn't matter, it's the favorite plane in ace combat, you will never take it from our hearts and mind

[SpartanJega]

The f22 is still gonna be powerful even in like the 2030s

[ambrosiane_]

please don't get rid of my favorite jet 😭🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[KlimovVK]

They learned that quantity is not substitutable by quality + Also drones. It is interesting, how even small wars extremely upgrade militaries all over the world. Even if the said tech and countries arent even involved

[Jasonmh]

Man, the F22 is gonna retire with 1 balloon and many air to ground kills

[Igi_pop]

no1 can fight agains time which runs so fast