F-22 Raptor Clears FOT&E: Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center officials say the F-22A Raptor is now “mission capable” for the air-to-ground role; they have completed follow-on operational test and evaluation for the new fighter. This was not a pro forma announcement, even though Air Combat Command declared initial operational capability for the Raptor late last year. In fact, Maj. Gen. Robin Scott, AFOTEC commander, says that ACC was able to declare IOC based on data arising from FOT&E. According to Col. Matthew Black, head of the AFOTEC detachment at Nellis AFB, Nev., that shepherded the evaluation, AFOTEC and ACC conducted the “most complex operational test ever on a tactical aircraft.”
The Department of the Air Force wants to launch a construction boom with its fiscal 2027 budget, more than doubling its request over 2026, according to budget documents.