Four F-22 Raptors belonging to the the 94th Fighter Squadron conducted joint training with the locally based F-35A Lightning IIs from the 58th Fighter Squadron.
The joint training was aimed at improving integration between the two most advanced radar-evading planes in service with the U.S. Air Force. Flying mixed formations, the F-22s and the F-35s flew offensive counter air (OCA), defensive counter air (DCA), and interdiction missions. This maximized the capabilities provided by operating two fifth-generation platforms together.
“The missions started with basic air-to-air and surface attacks,” said Maj. Steven Frodsham, an F-22 pilot in the 149th Fighter Squadron, Virginia Air National Guard in an Air Force press release. “As the training progressed, the missions developed into more advanced escort and defensive counter air fifth-generation integration missions.”
Fifth-generation capabilities had their combat debut with the F-22 in the air-to-ground role during the early stages of Operation Inherent Resolve, against ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria. The successful baptism of fire reaffirmed the pivotal role played by stealth technologies and sensor fusion capabilities, brought together by 5th generation warplanes in current scenarios.
Earlier this year Chief of US Air Force Air Combat Command Gen. Michael Hostage said the F-35 is what the Air Force needs to keep up with the adversaries. However, the F-22 Raptor will have to support the Joint Strike Fighter even though its service life extension and modernization plan will cost a lot.
As he explained: “If I do not keep that F-22 fleet viable, the F-35 fleet frankly will be irrelevant. The F-35 is not built as an air superiority platform. It needs the F-22.”
That’s why the U.S. Air Force has already started to team Joint Strike Fighters with Raptors.
Image credit: U.S. Air Force
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