No official Raptor replacement

[Corsair1963]

Currently many of the countries closer to Russia are doing that or even significantly more like Poland, but I definitely agree that other European countries should do way more. Many have stated intent to increase defense spending significantly in the coming years but we'll see what happens. I do think that many countries are still doing that way too slowly given how fast the global security environment has changed during this decade.

Plus, not like these members have to "buy" US Weapons either. They can buy them from anyone or even produce them on their own.

[Fox1]

Not sure we can count on Trump to bump up funding for NGAD. It seems they are talking more about defense cuts rather than increases.

And Musk seems to despise the F-35. From what I have seen thus far (and looking at Trump's dealings with Ukraine), I have extremely low expectations for this administration.

[Corsair1963]

Not sure we can count on Trump to bump up funding for NGAD. It seems they are talking more about defense cuts rather than increases.

And Musk seems to despise the F-35. From what I have seen thus far (and looking at Trump's dealings with Ukraine), I have extremely low expectations for this administration.

The saving from the cuts is planned to be used elsewhere. Plus, Musk has little impact on the F-35 Program. Trump will try to sell it far and wide over the next four years.

[disconnectedradical]

What makes you so sure Elon Musk won't impact DOD programs like the F-35? He and his DOGE lackeys are already able to reach into departments like the FBI, CIA, Department of Energy, etc. At this point I don't think ANY program is safe.

Anyways, some updates from this week's Air and Space Forces Association symposium.

As previously reported, the F-22 is getting both a DAS-like capability in the form of the Infrared Defensive System (IRDS) which upgrades the existing MLD, and a long range AIRST in a stealthy, low-drag pod. Both have completed a number of flight tests and will be fielded in the coming years. Also, the F-22 is getting an EW upgrade under the codename Project Keystone.
https://www.twz.com/air/f-22-raptors-co ... r-upgrades

Also, the F-22 is finally getting the Scorpion HMD with the Hawaii ANG being the first unit to get it.
https://www.twz.com/air/f-22-raptor-fin ... ed-display

[Corsair1963]

I have my doubts the US Government would cut programs like the F-35. First, it is key to the overall defense of the US and the greater Western Alliance. Second, it is a big seller and makes the US a lot of money.

As for cuts, who knows. Yet, the F-22 and F-15EX will likely be scrutinized closely.

[disconnectedradical]

EVERY program will be scrutinized, I don’t know why you’re singling out the F-22, or somehow think the F-35 is the exception.

The F-22 has upgrades programmed for the next 5 years, to include EW upgrades, DAS-like capability, and long range IRST. And the technology also feeds into NGAD, it plays a critical role in the force structure.

Somewhat related, an F-22 that was repaired from nose landing gear collapse has an interesting patchwork of skin panels.
https://theaviationist.com/2025/03/03/f ... ng-mishap/

[fbw]

I have my doubts the US Government would cut programs like the F-35. First, it is key to the overall defense of the US and the greater Western Alliance. Second, it is a big seller and makes the US a lot of money.

As for cuts, who knows. Yet, the F-22 and F-15EX will likely be scrutinized closely.

Everyone who visits this forum is aware of your opinions on this as you spam them repeatedly on every thread… it does not make it true.

Force planners are not focused on improving LM’s bottom line. The force structure will be based on need and cost. The F-22 isn’t going anywhere.

The open secret is that total F-35 procurement is very much up in the air. Hundreds of planned procurement have been deferred into near oblivion-past the planned end date. I’ve said it before, the 2020’s were supposed to be peak F-35 production (~80 F-35A per year for USAF). We are halfway through the decade and have not approached, will not approach those procurement numbers. Peak procurement matters much more than total procured. Early aircraft will be retired before the last F-35 rolls off the assembly line.

It is clear that the F-35 will be the backbone of force structure in the 2030’s but it increasingly looks like that force structure will be very different than what was envisioned two decades ago.. the CCA push insures that.

Lastly, the fallout from recent events will have an impact on foreign F-35 procurement. Every weapon purchase has two parts: politics and capability. Nations buy US weapons because our weapon sales are an extension of foreign policy, if nations view our policies as counter to their interests, we will sell less. Trump cannot sell the F-35 without congressional approval, an nations will not buy it unless the are also buying the foreign policies as aligning with theirs.

[sharon_11]

:: Removed by moderator - no politics here ::