The Number of F/A-22s Set at 183: 
USAF officials say the QDR will limit F/A-22 Raptor production to 183 aircraft (number corrected from 185 following official USAF briefing on 12/13/05). They plan to extend the production line—allowing a peak rate of 20 per year. Stretching the program this way will enable them to bridge the gap to start of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter production, but they admit it will drive the per unit cost of the Raptor higher.
The Air Force wants more companies able to produce its new, multi-use, anti-radar missile that one expert says will prove vital in any future peer conflict and would be in high demand for the war in Iran if stocks were available now.