The 1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, Va., has received its last new F-22A stealth fighter, bringing the wing’s total to 40 Raptors and fully equipping both operational F-22 squadrons. Next month, the 27th Fighter Squadron embarks on its first overseas deployment with the new fighter, taking 12 to Kadena AB, Japan. And, the wing has sent another 14 to Nellis AFB, Nev., for the Raptor’s first participation in Red Flag. Langley still will see some additional new F-22s as the Air Force funnels fighters and pilots and maintainers destined for Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, through the Virginia base for indoctrination.
Since President Donald Trump first unveiled his “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative in late January, much of the focus for it has been focused on space—how the Pentagon may deploy dozens, if not hundreds, of sensors and interceptors into orbit to protect the continental U.S. from missile barrages. But the Air…