US Air Force's Future Fighter Plans: F-22 Reproduction vs. NGAD Program

As the debate on the future of air combat technology continues, a significant question surfaces: If the United States were to engage in prolonged major air combat, would it consider re-opening production for the F-22 Raptor, the beloved capability of its 4th generation fighters, or instead lean towards the more advanced 6th generation NGAD program?

Production Challenges of Reopening F-22 Assembly

When F-22 production concluded, the tools, equipment, and facilities required for its production were repurposed for the F-35 Lightning II, leaving any existing F-22 production capabilities effectively decommissioned. According to various reports, Lockheed, the primary contractor for the F-22, was instructed to preserve the production tooling and equipment in case of future needs, though this claim requires corroboration from the USAF and Lockheed.

The re-opening of F-22 production would be a monumental undertaking. Even if the tooling and equipment were still in possession, the process would still necessitate an extensive reconstruction, as the facility spaces and machinery would need to be rebuilt or refurbished from the ground up. Additionally, tens of thousands of highly skilled technicians and engineers who were part of the F-22 production process would need to be identified, retrained, and brought back into the fold. This process would require substantial financial investment, estimated in the tens of billions of dollars, and would take decades to complete.

The NGAD Program: A Viable Alternative

In contrast to the labor and cost-intensive process of reactivating F-22 production, the USAF is already well invested in the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, the primary successor to the F-22 with a projected operational timeline of 2030. The NGAD aircraft, equipped with advanced technologies including stealth, autonomous systems, and networked warfare capabilities, are expected to offer more advanced air superiority.

While it seems unlikely that the USAF would opt for a F-22 recreation, as the fighter is not facing immediate combat threats and is seen as an expensive relic from a previous era, the NGAD program is being developed to address evolving air combat scenarios. The NGAD is designed to leverage technology advancements and reduce costs by integrating unmanned systems and other future technologies with human operators, aiming to achieve a more cost-effective and versatile fleet.

The Role of Autonomous Unmanned Combat Aircraft

Unmanned aircraft systems are increasingly seen as a key component in future air combat doctrines, offering a significantly cost-effective alternative to manned aircraft. With advancements in autonomous technology, these unmanned combat aircraft (UCAVs) are expected to play a more prominent role, cooperating with human operators to achieve mission objectives. This trend is likely to continue, with the USAF exploring and integrating such technologies into future fighter strategies.

In summary, the US Air Force's focus is clearly on advancing to the next generation of fighter technology with the NGAD, rather than reviving an older platform. The combination of advanced unmanned systems and autonomous capabilities is expected to offer both cost efficiencies and enhanced operational effectiveness. While the F-22 may remain a symbol of past combat prowess, it appears the future of air superiority lies with the innovative and cost-efficient NGAD and UCAVs.

Keywords: F-22 Raptor, NGAD Program, Air Force Future Fighters