F-22 Raptor, regarded as the most capable air superiority fighter on the planet, faces challenges due to its short production run, resulting in a shortened service life and increased operational costs. The U.S. is developing a new successor, known as the next-generation air dominance fighter, but it will take years before there are enough sixth-generation jets to replace the aging Raptor fleet. With global tensions rising, the U.S. cannot afford to wait for the new aircraft to come online. Despite its impending retirement, the F-22 is undergoing a massive $13 billion upgrade. The fleet is also undergoing extensive renovations to ensure it remains at the forefront of air combat. However, the F-22 has long lacked some common capabilities found in fourth-generation fighters, such as infrared search and track and helmet-mounted cueing systems. Efforts are underway to integrate these capabilities into the F-22, which would significantly enhance its combat effectiveness against stealth aircraft and other threats.
