Summary and Key Points: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood, a former U.S. Army Infantry officer and tech CEO, evaluates the $11 billion “Super Raptor” upgrade package transforming the F-22 into a 5th-Generation “+” fighter.
-As 12 Raptors from Ovda Air Base lead strikes over Iran, this report analyzes the Low Drag and Pylon (LD&P) program’s stealthy fuel tanks, which extend combat range to 800 miles without compromising radar evasion.
The $11 Billion Super Raptor: Why the F-22 is Receiving Stealthy Fuel Tanks
Is it possible to make the F-22 even more stealthy?
The Raptor has been flying for over 20 years, and there are efforts to upgrade it to make the aircraft even more radar-evasive. The idea is to create less drag, more lift, and extended range. Now, the fifth-generation fighter has new stealthy pylons.
This should improve how the airplane can sneak in, suppress enemy air defenses, dogfight better, and be an all-around more survivable jet in wartime.
Low Drag and Pylon Program
Lockheed Martin has now provided new stealth fuel tanks for the Raptor, as Alex Hollings from Sandboxx News has written. This is part of an $11 billion upgrade package to make the F-22 the world’s premier stealth jet. The latest addition is called the “Low Drag and Pylon” program and is part of the exciting new “Super Raptor” viability project that the Air Force has been spurred to execute by President Donald Trump. Usually, Raptors have increased their range with 600-gallon non-stealthy drop tanks filled with fuel.
YF-118G. Image taken by Harry J. Kazianis for 19FortyFive.
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, assigned to the 154th Wing, takes off from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Hawaii, Jan. 14, 2026, during Sentry Aloha 26-1. The F-22 Raptor is the U.S. Air Force’s premium fifth generation fighter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Aden Brown)
An F-22 Raptor from the Hawaii Air National Guard 154th Wing retreats after mid-flight refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 128th Air Refueling wing of Milwaukee during Sentry Aloha off the coast of Honolulu, Hawaii on January 14, 2026. Sentry Aloha provides cost-effective and realistic, large-scale training scenarios to prepare warfighters and support the Air National Guard’s position as a crucial component of the nation’s operational force.
Drop Tanks Can Conflict With Stealthiness
One of the issues with the current drop tanks is their tendency to appear on radar scopes, thereby negating the F-22’s stealth advantage. The warbird is already considered one of the most evasive airplanes in the world. This new addition will help it avoid discovery by enemy sensors. This will also make the Raptor more maneuverable and give it a better range.
Forward-Deployed in Israel
The existing pylons and drop tanks could make the Raptor’s capability in in-air combat a liability. The F-22 has been used in Iran during Operation Epic Fury. At least 12 F-22s were moved to Ovda air base in Israel before the combat started. This was the first operational deployment for the Raptor inside the Jewish state. So far, the F-22 has not endured any problems or shoot-downs over Iran.
Let’s Not Repeat the F-15 Incidents
Meanwhile, the F-15E Strike Eagle has been shot down by friendly fire from Kuwait, spoiling a perfect prior combat record. Three Strike Eagles were destroyed by Kuwaiti F/A-18 fighters, and the F-15E pilots and co-pilots ejected safely.
The F-22’s low observable qualities should make losses rare, and the Americans and Israelis have already degraded Iranian defenses to the point that both air forces have air superiority over Iran. That allows the Raptor to show off its ground-strike capabilities, which are a relatively new function for the airplane, known for being an air superiority fighter in its early years.
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing conducts aerial practices at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, March 28. The F-22 is an American twin-engine, all-weather, supersonic stealth fighter aircraft and provides power projection across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tala Hunt)
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor and a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., conduct aerial refueling over the continental United States, Aug. 21, 2018, during the Northern Lightning 18-2 exercise. Northern Lightning is one of seven Air National Guard joint accredited exercises held at a Combat Readiness Training Center and provides tailored, cost-effective and realistic combat training for participating units in a joint and multinational environment. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Mary E. Greenwood)
The F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team uniform is worn during a practice demonstration at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, Nov. 13, 2025. The all-black flight suit is a signature look for Air Combat Command demonstration teams. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Cobin)
“The F-22 is indeed the most air-to-air capable fighter in the world; nothing comes close to it in the air-to-air role,” said Lt. Gen. Joseph Guastella, a retired deputy chief of staff for operations at the U.S. Air Force Center for Operations. During a May 26 presentation given by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), he described the F-22 deployment as “a very clear deterrent signal” that allows the Air Force to “negotiate with strength,” according to Fox News.
Improving the Radar Evasion with Better ‘Invisible’ Drop Tanks
One issue for the F-22 has been the non-stealth drop tanks. If they are jettisoned from the airplane, that action could alert enemy sensors and create a radar “hit.” The Low Drag and Pylon program was seen as a way to avoid such a dangerous predicament. The fuel pods will now be stealthy.
Sandboxx News spoke to employees from Lockheed Martin at the Air Force Association’s Warfare Symposium in Colorado in late February. The low-drag tanks will help the F-22 remain an “invisible” jet.
Stretching the Range of the F-22
“With its current two standard [non-stealthy] drop tanks under wing providing 4,000 additional pounds of fuel each, the Raptor’s one-way ferry range extends to roughly 1,800 miles. The new tanks are said to carry a ‘similar’ amount of fuel to the non-stealth ones, which could realistically stretch the upgraded Raptor’s combat legs to more than 800 miles, exceeding that of even the farthest-reaching F-35, the Navy’s F-35C,” Hollings wrote.
Origins of the Raptor Program
The F-22 was originally designed to fight over Europe if the Russians became so aggressive that the United States would have to respond. The stealthiness was so good that Congress banned their export. There have been numerous efforts to upgrade them.
Start With Block 20 F-22
Another update program is focused on 35 older F-22 Block 20 Raptors. The Block 20s will receive modernized sensors, infrared search-and-track, improved electronic warfare attributes, open-mission systems, and manned-unmanned teaming modifications for Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones that serve as Loyal Wingmen.
Aircraft from the 1st Fighter Wing conducted an Elephant Walk at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, Jan. 31, 2025, showcasing the wing’s readiness and operational agility. This demonstration highlighted the wing’s capability to mobilize forces rapidly in high-stress scenarios. The wing’s fleet includes F-22 Raptors and T-38 Talons. As Air Combat Command’s lead wing, the 1 FW maintains unparalleled combat readiness to ensure national defense at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Matthew Coleman-Foster)
It’s Come a Long Way
The Raptor was originally operational in 2005. At the time, the Global War on Terror was raging, and insurgents and terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan were creating havoc and multiple casualties on the ground. Since the F-22 was seen as more of a dogfighter, it did not have ground strike capabilities at the time. Russia and China were not as aggressive as they would be years later, and the F-22 was trying to remain relevant.
Example of Upgrades Over the Years
There was both a necessity and an opportunity for further improvements. One of the biggest upgrades occurred in 2014, when the entire fleet had its software renewed as part of the Inc. 3.2b effort. This helped the performance of its air-to-air missiles. The effort improved range, fire control, and targeting precision, according to Warrior Maven. These upgrades are still working well 12 years later.
The Air Force also created the “Rapid Raptor” program that could deliver the F-22 anyplace, anywhere in 24 to 48 hours. This ability is highly important in today’s multi-threat environment and in balancing against the strength of Russia and China, when a deployment across the globe could be needed at any time. This came just in time for the missions over Iran.
New Synthetic Aperture Radars
Other upgrades, called the “Inc. 3.1 and 3.2” modernizations, gave the F-22 superiorcapabilities. There were new synthetic aperture radars between 2010 and 2020. These were optimized using excellent software. Inc. 3.2A led to improvements in electronic warfare. Radar algorithms were derived much more quickly.
Now the F-22 has a new model conceptualized by President Donald Trump’s national security team. The “Super” Raptor has reared its head. This will allow the F-22 to be a transition bridge until the F-47 NGAD arrives.
This Warbird Is Viable
This “Viability” program, which has received an early monetary boost, is meant to enhance the F-22 with even better stealth coatings, modernized sensors, and an adept Infrared Defense System. The Low Drag and Pylon project is part of this set of “Super” upgrades.
The Air Force aims to spend more than $90 million on the viability effort. The F-22 should be superior to the Russian Su-57 Felon and the J-20 Mighty Dragon – both fifth-generation fighters. After the Super updates, the F-22 will become a fifth-generation “+” jet that should win in an aerial confrontation with both countries.
How to Get to Fifth-Generation ‘+.’
“This is a new start effort for which the service is asking for $90.34 million in funding in the upcoming fiscal cycle,” the FY2026 Air Force budget request report said. “The Air Force currently has 185 F-22s, but only 143 are combat-coded, with the rest being dedicated to training, test, and evaluation activities. A significant portion of the overall fleet is typically down for maintenance, as well. The small Raptor force is already highly capable and heavily in demand.”
U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors, E-3 Sentrys, C-17 Globemaster IIIs, C-130J Herculeses and C-12F Hurons participate in a close formation taxi known as an elephant walk at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 5, 2020. This event displayed the ability of the 3rd Wing, 176th Wing and the 477th Fighter Group to maintain constant readiness throughout COVID-19 by Total Force Integration between active-duty, Guard and Reserve units to continue defending the U.S. homeland and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonathan Valdes Montijo)
F-22 Raptor. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
The Specs Were Already Impressive
The F-22 is already a stalwart in the air with excellent maneuverability. It can execute supercruise. Top speed is over MACH 2 while powered by two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 engines. Maximum takeoff weight is 83,500 pounds, and range is 1,850 miles with the drop tanks. The ceiling is 50,000 feet.
“Ongoing efforts include IRST to stealthily track and target airborne threats, and stealthy external fuel tanks/pylons to extend unrefueled range. Other significant efforts include the Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability Program (RAMP), Link 16, and IFF enhancement. RAMP improves electrical power, replaces avionic fiber optics, adds more durable LO, and fixes structures and wiring. Link 16 will enable two-way networking with legacy aircraft via Multifunctional Information Distribution System/Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS/JTRS). Initial installs began in FY22, and fleetwide upgrade is now planned for FY25,” according to Air and Space Forces Magazine.
Look Out For Surface Strike Missions in Iran
One of the most notable developments for the F-22 has been its transition into a ground-strike platform. This will be an interesting capability for the Iranian missions. The Raptor can now drop GBU-32 JDAM 1,000-pound bombs. There is also the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb. In case the F-22 needs to dogfight while on a ground strike mission, it can carry two AIM-120 AMRAAMs and two AIM-9 Sidewinders.
It Will Be a Terrific Hot Rod
Overall, the F-22 could become the world’s best fighter jet with the “Super” upgrades and RAMP efforts. This is one robust warbird that is going to feel like an elite hot rod for some of the best pilots in the Air Force. The new pylons are an essential addition for greater stealth.
We’ll check on the F-22 utilization during its activity over Iran. It is open season for military targets in Tehran and other locations in the country. Enemy air defenses have been degraded to allow the F-22 to drop its precision-guided bombs to take out command and control centers for ballistic missile delivery, missile factories, and drone launchers. The Raptor is difficult to beat. Even the older models still pack a punch. The “Super,” viability, and RAMP updates will make an excellent fighter even better.
About the Author: Brent M. Eastwood
Author of now over 3,000 articles on defense issues, Brent M. Eastwood, PhD is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare, plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for US Senator Tim Scott, advising the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former US Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
