The planned early retirement of the Raptor, which is less than 30 years after its first deployment, has left many observers of American air power disappointed. It is not uncommon for modern American fighters like the Lockheed Martin F-16 or Boeing F-15 to fly for 40 years or more with upgrades. However, the fact that the Air Force is eager to replace its best fighter indicates where and how USAF leaders anticipate future wars will unfold, particularly in the vast western Pacific Ocean during a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan.
The American air force is optimistic that the warplane being developed to replace the F-22 will be better suited for this type of conflict. The $300-million-a-copy F-22 had a long development process. It originated from the Advanced Tactical Fighter initiative in the 1980s, first flew in demonstrator form in 1990, completed development in 2005, was deployed to Japan in 2006, and production of just 195 planes was finished in 2012. Despite its advanced design and exceptional performance, the F-22 is essentially a Cold War jet at its core. It was designed by Lockheed to confront the Soviet Union from bases in Europe, so limited endurance was not a major issue. An F-22 can fly only about 600 miles on internal fuel, which is sufficient for combat over Germany and Poland.
The Air Force’s decision to retire the Raptor early may reflect changes in military strategy and technology. With China’s growing military presence in Asia and Russia’s expansionist policies towards Europe and NATO allies, US military leaders may see a need for more advanced aircraft capable of longer flight times and greater range to counter potential threats from these adversaries. Additionally, with advancements in stealth technology and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), it may be necessary for future fighter aircraft to incorporate these capabilities into their design to remain competitive on modern battlefields.
