USAF commits nearly USD11 billion to future F-22 upgrades

The US Air Force (USAF) has committed nearly USD11 billion to future upgrades for the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor combat aircraft.

The service awarded the original equipment manufacturer USD10.863 million on 5 November for Advanced Raptor Enhancement and Sustainment for the F-22 Program Office.

“This [indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity] contract vehicle provides support for the necessary supplies and services to sustain and modernise the F-22 Raptor, including modernisation hardware kit procurement and services such as upgrades, enhancements, and fixes, as well as performance-based logistics services,” the contract notification said.

The location of performance is Fort Worth, Texas, and if all options are utilised, work is expected to be completed by 31 October 2031.

The USAF fields 186 F-22s, with the ‘fifth generation’ type’s all-aspect stealth making it difficult to detect for all but the most advanced of systems and dedicated of operators. It is employed in both the air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.