Summary and Key Points: During a recent visit to Doha, Qatar, President Trump announced his vision for a “Super Raptor”—a modernized version of the F-22—and a new “F-55” concept, described as a twin-engine upgrade to the F-35.
-The proposed Super F-22 overhaul aims to extend the airframe’s service life to 15,000 hours, potentially keeping it operational into the 2060s.
-Key upgrades reportedly include next-generation infrared search-and-track (IRST) systems, advanced electronic warfare capabilities, and integration of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM).
Trump Announces “Super Raptor”: Inside the New F-22 Upgrade
While the Air Force continues to prioritize the F-47 (NGAD) program and its autonomous drone wingmen, the “Super Raptor” is pitched as a “fifth-generation-plus” bridge to ensure dominance in contested airspace.
The Fighter that Could Happen
The U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program took over aviation-related headlines after the announcement of the F-47 fighter jet. While the sixth-generation NGAD family of systems is certainly worthy of the interest, another fleet of U.S. stealth air-superiority fighters may also soon receive a glow-up.
The legendary F-22 Raptor entered service decades ago as the world’s first fully fledged fifth-generation platform. The F-22 fighters are aging, but the Air Force is nowhere near ready to scrap its Raptors.
Over the summer, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his vision for an upgraded so-called Super Raptor while visiting Doha, Qatar.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Josh Gunderson, F-22 Demo Team commander, performs maximum power takeoff during a demonstration for the 67th National Security Forum at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama, May 11, 2021. The F-22 Raptor’s two Pratt and Whitney F119 Turbofan engines bring a combined 70,000 pounds of thrust, allowing the aircraft to takeoff straight into the vertical. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Don Hudson)
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor performs an aerial demonstration at Davis-Mothan Air Force Base, Ariz. for the 2025 Heritage Flight Training and Certification Course, March 1, 2025. The Heritage Flight Training and Certification Course is an annual event where military and civilian pilots train together to fly in formations to showcase both modern and vintage military aircraft. These flights are often performed at airshows across the country to honor U.S. military aviation history and service members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Cobin).
Maj. Joshua “Cabo” Gunderson, F-22 Raptor Demo Team commander and pilot, maneuvers into a climb after a tactical-pitch at the Cold Lake Air Show July 17, 2022, at Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada. The F-22 Raptor’s two Pratt and Whitney F119 Turbofan engines bring a combined 70,000 pounds of thrust in combination with two-dimensional thrust vectoring to enable maximum maneuverability for the multi-role air-to-air stealth fighter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Don Hudson)
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. – F-22 Raptors from the 1st Fighter Wing sit in position on the runway during the Elephant Walk at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, Jan. 31, 2025. The surge was designed to showcase the wing’s operational readiness and its ability to rapidly mobilize airpower. The 1st FW operates F-22 Raptors and T-38 Talons, maintaining combat capabilities that enable the U.S. Air Force to execute missions across the globe. With a focus on air superiority, the 1st FW plays a critical role in defending the nation’s interests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Matthew Coleman-Foster)
“We’re going to do an F-55 and—I think, if we get the right price, we have to get the right price—that’ll be two engines and a super upgrade on the F-35, and then we’re going to do the F-22,” Trump said. “I think the most beautiful fighter jet in the world is the F-22, but we’re going to do an F-22 Super, and it’ll be a very modern version of the F-22 fighter jet. We’re going to be going with it pretty quickly.”
What We Know About the Super F-22
The “Super Raptor” program, if the service pursues it, could keep the F-22 relevant among its newer peers. If the plan comes to fruition, the upgrades to the F-22 would make it the world’s first fifth-generation-plus platform.
According to reports, enhancements could include upgraded sensors, stealth, and electronic warfare capabilities. Upgrades under discussion include next-generation radar backends and infrared search-and-track systems that boost targeting in contested airspace, according to Defense Watch.
The Super Raptor would also feature more lethal armaments. According to Simple Flying, upgrades could include the addition of advanced air-to-air missiles including the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM).
The jet’s original 8,000-flight-hour life is also expected to be extended to up to 15,000 hours, potentially enabling the Super Raptors to remain in service through the 2060s.
The F-22 Origin Story
The F-22 was initially envisioned to seamlessly combine stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics in order to dominate the Soviet Union’s jet fleet during the Cold War.
However, by the time the platform was formally introduced in the early 2000s, the Soviet Union had collapsed, and the war on terror was underway.
With such changed priorities, the production and procurement of the fully planned F-22 fleet was deemed unnecessary; just 186 of the fighters were constructed.
The F-22 Raptor’s Specifications
- Year Introduced: 2005
- Number Built: 195 total (187 operational + test aircraft)
- Length: 62 ft 1 in (18.9 m)
- Wingspan: 44 ft 6 in (13.6 m)
- Weight (MTOW): ~83,500 lb (37,875 kg)
- Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofans
- Top Speed: ~1,500 mph
- Range: ~1,600 mi with external tanks; ~460–600 mi combat radius
- Service Ceiling: ~50,000+ ft
- Loadout: Internal bays for up to 6× AIM-120 + 2× AIM-9; external pylons optional for non-stealth loads
- Aircrew: 1
What About the F-47?
The enhancements would make an already legendary platform even more capable, but the prospects of a Super F-22 remain uncertain.
The Air Force is fully banking on its upcoming NGAD program to ensure air superiority.
The F-47 is expected to feature all the latest technologies and capabilities and to be able to fly at speeds up to Mach 2.0.
In addition to the F-47, a large contingent of highly autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles dubbed Collaborative Combat Aircraft will perform as loyal wingmen drones under the control of the F-47.
These platforms will be cheaper and easier to produce, making their incorporation key to the NGAD program.
Only time will tell if a Super Raptor F-22 joins the F-47 in the skies.
About the Author: Maya Carlin
Maya Carlin, national security writer with 19FortyFive, is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has over 1,000 articles published over the last several years on various defense issues. Carlin has bylines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin.
