06/20/2026
Air-to-air loadout:
6× AIM-120 AMRAAM radar-guided missiles, 2× AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles, plus 1× M61A2 20 mm cannon with 480 rounds.
Air-to-ground loadout:
2× GBU-32 1,000 lb JDAM bombs, or upgraded aircraft can use GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs; it still carries air-to-air missiles for self-defense.
Sensors / electronics
The main radar is the AN/APG-77 AESA radar, built for low-observable air combat and multi-target tracking; Northrop Grumman says it lets the pilot track and shoot multiple threats before the enemy radar detects the F-22.
It also has the AN/ALR-94 electronic warfare system, which detects and geolocates enemy radar threats so the F-22 can limit its own radar emissions and stay hidden longer.
Newer modernization work includes TacIRST / Infrared Defensive System sensors to improve infrared threat detection and survivability. Lockheed Martin announced a $270 million U.S. Air Force contract for this in 2025.
Strengths
The F-22’s biggest strengths are stealth, supercruise, extreme maneuverability, and sensor fusion. It can fly supersonic without afterburner at over Mach 1.5, uses thrust-vectoring engines for high agility, and combines radar/electronic/sensor information into a clearer picture for the pilot.
It is especially strong in air superiority: long-range detection, first-shot advantage, internal missile carriage, and high-speed/high-altitude performance. It is also useful as a high-end “door opener” aircraft against advanced air defenses.
Weaknesses
The biggest weakness is cost and small fleet size. Only 195 total F-22s were delivered, including test aircraft; Lockheed Martin said the final delivery left the Air Force with 187 operational F-22s at that time.
It is also expensive to operate. The U.S. Air Force FY2024 reimbursable rate lists the F-22A at about $54,470–$56,760 per flight hour, depending on user category.
Another weakness is that its stealthy internal strike payload is limited compared with bigger strike aircraft: internally it carries only two 1,000-lb JDAMs or small diameter bombs, unless it uses external stores, which can reduce stealth advantage.
Maintenance and modernization are also difficult. GAO reported debate over Block 20 F-22 divestment and upgrade options, noting the Air Force had not fully documented costs, schedules, and risks for some upgrade/divestment decisions.
Cost
Common cost numbers depend on what is counted:
Unit cost: U.S. Air Force fact sheet lists $143 million per aircraft.
Full acquisition cost: CRS reported about $67.3 billion total acquisition cost for the F-22 program, with a Program Acquisition Unit Cost of about $369.5 million and Average Unit Procurement Cost of about $185.7 million in then-year dollars.
Operating cost: FY2024 Air Force reimbursable rate: about $54k–$57k per flight hour.
