The F-22 is being developed to counter the increasing sophistication and threat of hostile air forces and integrated air defense systems in use around the world. This fighter will provide air dominance and a precision ground attack capability for US forces well into the 21st century.
Air and ground threats that the F-15 will no longer be able to counter will be defeated by the lethal and survivable F-22, with its balance of increased speed and range, enhanced offensive and defensive avionics, and low observability or stealth. The F-22's design also emphasizes reliability and maintainability of systems.
The F-22 provides a first-look, first-shot, first-kill capability through the use of stealth technology and advanced sensors. The F-22 also requires shorter takeoff and landing distances, as compared to current frontline fighters. F-22 pilots will be able to engage the enemy over its own territory and support long-range air-to-ground assets such as the F-15E. The F-22 also brings its own precision ground attack capability to the battlefield.
