The US Air Force is preparing to enhance its fleet of F-22 Raptors, allowing these advanced fighter jets to control unmanned aerial systems (UAS) during missions. This pioneering move will position the F-22 as the first operational combat aircraft capable of collaborating with Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones.
Starting in 2026, the Raptors will be equipped with tablet-based control systems, alongside other necessary modifications aimed at ensuring secure in-cockpit management of drones. This upgrade will affect 142 combat-coded F-22s out of the Air Force’s total fleet of 185 jets, with a particular emphasis on those designated for frontline operations.
The integration of this technology is expected to revolutionize aerial combat dynamics, enabling pilots to oversee multiple drones, enhance mission effectiveness, and provide a tactical advantage in various operational scenarios. The Air Force’s initiative reflects a growing trend toward incorporating unmanned systems into modern warfare, illustrating the increasing importance of technology in enhancing combat capabilities.
As the program progresses, it will likely draw attention from military analysts and defense contractors interested in the future of manned-unmanned teaming in aerial missions.
