The F-22 Raptor isn’t just a fighter jet—it’s a symbol of cutting-edge power wrapped in secrecy and controversy. Built for a Cold War that ended before its debut, it has faced sky-high costs, shifting priorities, and a production cap at just 187 planes. Yet, its stealth and air-to-air dominance remain unmatched.
The Raptor’s story is a mix of triumph and constraint. Here are 10 facts that redefine what you think you know.
1. Originated from the Advanced Tactical Fighter
The F-22A Raptor came from the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program. This program started in 1981 when the U.S. Air Force (USAF) wanted to find a new fighter jet to replace the F-15 Eagle and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
The goal was to create an aircraft that could handle modern air combat and outmatch potential enemies. After years of design and testing, the F-22 was officially introduced in 2005.
It became a key part of the U.S. military’s air power strategy.
2. Designed for a Cold War Threat That Had Shifted by Its Entry into Service
The F-22 was originally built to counter the threat posed by Soviet fighters during the Cold War. However, the Cold War ended in 1991 with the fall of the Soviet Union. This change had a huge impact on the F-22 program.
The Department of Defense (DoD) saw less need for new fighter jets, which led to cuts in funding for the F-22. By the time it entered service, the urgency for the aircraft had decreased, and the focus of military needs had shifted.
3. It Faced Budget Overruns during Its Development
As the F-22 program progressed, it ran into several budget problems. The cost of developing the aircraft increased significantly, leading to budget overruns. Originally, the DoD expected the project to be within budget, but this was not the case.
By the time the F-22 was completed, the total cost of the program was estimated at over $67 billion. (ref) This financial strain raised questions about whether the investment was worth it compared to other military priorities.
4. Production Was Limited to Just 187 Operational Aircraft
When it came to building the F-22A, the U.S. military decided to produce only 187 operational aircraft. (ref) This number is much lower than what was initially planned, which was around 750 planes.
The limited production was due to the high costs and changes in military strategy. As a result, the F-22 became a rare aircraft in the U.S. fleet, making it a unique but limited resource for air defense.
5. Its Advanced Stealth Features Were a Target for Foreign Adversaries
The F-22A Raptor is known for its advanced stealth capabilities, allowing it to avoid detection by radar. In 2006, the F-22 development team received the prestigious Collier Trophy for its achievements in aviation. (ref)
However, this technology made the aircraft a target by foreign adversaries to steal its technology. Contractors involved in the F-22’s production have faced numerous cybersecurity threats, indicating that the Raptor is a powerful aircraft for the U.S. (ref)
6. Foreign Sales Not Allowed
To keep the F-22’s stealth technology and classified features safe from U.S. adversaries, the Congress has banned selling the F-22 to foreign governments.
Since 1998, annual defense funding laws have included rules stopping the Department of Defense (DoD) from using funds to approve any F-22 sales to other nations. In September 2006, Congress decided to keep this ban in place. (ref)
In 2010, Congress asked the DoD to look into the costs and possibility of making an export version of the F-22 and to study how F-22 exports might affect the U.S. aerospace industry. Despite these reports, the ban on foreign sales remains firmly in place. (ref)
7. It Was Never Intended to Engage in Air-to-Ground Combat
The F-22 was designed purely for air-to-air combat, meaning its main purpose is to take on other aircraft in the sky. It wasn’t meant to attack ground targets, which limits what it can do in some types of combat.
This focus on air-to-air superiority makes it incredibly effective at dominating other planes but less versatile than aircraft that can handle both air and ground missions, like the F-35.
8. The Program’s Secrecy Has Led to a Lack of Public Awareness
The F-22 program has been kept very secretive from the start. Because of this secrecy, most people don’t know much about the aircraft or its capabilities.
This lack of public awareness means that many aren’t fully aware of the F-22’s unique features, advanced technology, and the role it plays in U.S. defense. The program’s classified nature helps protect its technology but keeps much of its story hidden.
9. An F-22 of the 1st Fighter Wing Shot Down a Suspected Chinese Spy Balloon
On February 4, 2023, an F-22 from the 1st Fighter Wing made history by achieving its first official air-to-air kill. The aircraft shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon near the coast of South Carolina, at an altitude of 60,000 to 65,000 feet.
The wreckage fell about 6 miles offshore and was retrieved by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. (ref)
Just days later, on February 10 and February 11, F-22s shot down two more high-altitude objects near Alaska and over the Yukon, marking a rare moment of action for the F-22. (ref)
10. Will Begin Retiring in the 2030s
The U.S. Air Force plans to start retiring the F-22 in the 2030s. By then, it will be replaced by a new, advanced aircraft known as the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter. (ref)
The F-22 has served as a powerful tool for air superiority, but the Air Force is already preparing for the next step in air combat technology as it looks toward the future.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
