The US Air Force is one step closer to decommissioning 32 obsolete fifth-generation F-22 Raptor fighter jets to save $3.5 billion

The US Air Force is again trying to withdraw from

operation of old fifth generation fighters F-22. According to new information, the service has become one step closer to this.

What is known

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendallstated that Congress has finally moved on and allowed the service to retire several iconic A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft in FY2023 along with the equally legendary E-3 Sentry. Even though Congress has not authorized the retirement of fifth-generation fighter jets in FY2023, chances are that the second attempt will succeed.

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US Air Force wants to write off 32 F-22 Raptor aircraftBlock 20 level, which are not in a fully combat-ready state. Representatives of the service claim that the maintenance of these fighters annually requires $ 500 million.

Rejection of 32 aircraft will save $3.5billion. These funds can be used to create a sixth generation fighter, which is being developed as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program and will become a replacement for the F-22.

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In total, the US Air Force wants to withdraw in FY2024more than 300 aircraft out of service. In addition to the F-22, these include the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-15C/D Eagle, B-1B Lancer, KC-10A Extender, E-8C JSTARS, E-3 Sentry, EC-130H Compass Call, EC- 130J, A-29 Super Tucano and T-1A Jayhawk. Also on the list are the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and the RQ-4 Global Hawk drone.