Washington, DC, July 7 - The U.S. Air Force is poised to redefine modern aerial combat by transforming its fleet of F-22 Raptors, the world’s premier fifth-generation stealth fighters, into airborne command centers for a new generation of unmanned systems known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). This strategic shift, detailed in recent defense reports, marks a significant evolution in the role of the F-22, extending its operational relevance well into the future as the Air Force prepares for the arrival of next-generation platforms like the F-47. The integration of CCA drones with the F-22 fleet represents a pioneering step in manned-unmanned teaming, positioning the Raptor as potentially the first stealth jet to control these advanced autonomous drones in combat scenarios.
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The F-22 Raptor, developed by Lockheed Martin, has long been celebrated for its unmatched stealth, agility, and advanced avionics, making it a cornerstone of U.S. air superiority. With a fleet of 185 aircraft, of which 143 are combat-coded, the Air Force is now investing in upgrades to ensure the Raptor remains a dominant force against emerging threats. Starting in Fiscal Year 2026, all combat-capable F-22s will be retrofitted with tablet-based control systems and supporting hardware, enabling pilots to direct highly autonomous “loyal wingman” drones. These upgrades, part of the Crewed Platform Integration (CPI) program, are backed by an initial $15 million in funding, with the Air Force requesting an additional $870 million in its 2026 budget to further develop the CCA program. The tablet-based interfaces, integrated with ruggedized systems and communication cabling, will allow pilots to issue real-time commands to CCAs, enhancing mission flexibility and reducing risks to human pilots.
The CCA drones, such as the General Atomics YFQ-42A and Anduril YFQ-44A, are designed to perform high-risk tasks, including strike missions, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, and communications relay. These low-cost, runway-independent platforms leverage artificial intelligence to operate with significant autonomy under human supervision. Previous tests with the XQ-58A Valkyrie drone have demonstrated successful data transfers between the F-22 and F-35, utilizing the secure, jam-resistant Inter-Flight Data Link (IFDL) already employed within the Raptor fleet. This communication architecture is likely to serve as the backbone for F-22-CCA integration, enabling seamless coordination in contested environments.
The decision to extend the F-22’s service life through these upgrades comes as the Air Force navigates a complex geopolitical landscape. With adversaries like China advancing their own stealth capabilities, such as the J-20, and deploying sophisticated radar and missile systems, the Raptor’s modernization is critical. Beyond drone control, the F-22 is receiving enhancements to its stealth features, radar systems, electronic warfare suite, and infrared search and track (IRST) capabilities. These upgrades, including the integration of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile and stealth-compatible external fuel tanks, aim to maintain the Raptor’s tactical edge in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. This modernization effort reflects a broader shift in U.S. defense strategy, prioritizing networked and autonomous warfare. While the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the forthcoming F-47, developed under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, will also integrate with CCAs, the F-22’s role as the first stealth platform to control these drones underscores its enduring value. By serving as an airborne command post for swarms of drones, the Raptor is effectively bridging the gap between fifth- and sixth-generation warfare, ensuring the U.S. Air Force maintains its dominance in the skies until at least the 2040s. This initiative not only enhances the F-22’s versatility but also sets a precedent for the future of aerial combat, where human-piloted jets and autonomous systems operate in tandem to achieve unmatched battlefield superiority.