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USAF could release extra squadron of Raptors for frontline service

2nd July 2020 - 13:30 GMT | by David Isby in Washington DC

RSS

The USAF could add a sixth squadron of combat-coded F-22A Raptor stealth fighters by ‘re-purposing’ training-coded aircraft, the outgoing commander of Air Combat Command (ACC) has said.

Speaking in a 22 June teleconference from ACC HQ at Langley AFB, Gen James M Holmes identified this as a potential benefit from Project Reforge. This is a programme, executed in coordination with the Air Education and Training Command, to reduce the time and resources required to produce experienced fighter pilots.

The ‘primary problem’ for Holmes with the Raptor is that it has been flying more missions than expected, especially over Syria. In

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