August 23, 2025, 3:04 pm
The U.S. Air Force is set to pump nearly $7.8 billion into F-22 Raptor upgrades through 2029, marking a strategic shift to extend the jet’s operational relevance well into the 2030s. The bulk of this—$4.7 billion—is earmarked for procurement, while $3.1 billion supports research, development, testing, and evaluation efforts.
Two new key technologies will be incorporated.
The upgrade program will outfit the 142 Block 30/35 F-22 Raptors with Low-drag external fuel tanks and a next-generation Infrared Defensive System (IRDS).
In this video, Defense Updates analyzes how $7.8 billion upgrade package will enhance the F-22 Raptor’s capabilities ?
#defenseupdates #f22raptor #f22
Chapters:
0:00 TITLE
00:11 INTRODUCTION
01:05 SPONSORSHIP – NordVPN
01:39 LOW DRAG TANKS AND PYLONS (LDTP)
03:43 IRDS with TacIRST
07:05 ANALYSIS
Sponsorship:
✴️ https://nordvpn.com/DEFENSE
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Content Creator – Defense Updates