USAF could release extra squadron of Raptors for frontline service
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
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![“Gloves are off” as US Defense Secretary memo calls for sweeping drone procurement reform]()
“Gloves are off” as US Defense Secretary memo calls for sweeping drone procurement reform
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has promised to usher in a new era of “military drone dominance”.
-
![Norway cleared for possible $2.6 billion HH-60W helicopter FMS]()
Norway cleared for possible $2.6 billion HH-60W helicopter FMS
The possible sale for nine HH-60W by the US government could make Norway the first Foreign Military Sale customer for the rescue and combat helicopter and add to the country’s ongoing acquisition of Sikorsky-made helicopters.
-
![Bell selected over Boeing to build DARPA SPRINT X-Plane]()
Bell selected over Boeing to build DARPA SPRINT X-Plane
The programme first began in 2023 with Bell and Boeing’s concepts progressing to Phase 1B, in which testing has been carried out over the last year.
-
![National Audit Office report highlights major delays in UK’s F-35 programme]()
National Audit Office report highlights major delays in UK’s F-35 programme
The report discloses that while the capability provided by the F-35 is superior to previous UK aircraft, delays from the UK Ministry of Defence on the programme have significantly impacted the country’s warfighting capabilities.
-
![Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports]()
Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
