Speaking with reporters at Langley AFB, Va., Gen. Ronald Keys, head of Air Combat Command, acknowledged that he has to be realistic about the number of F-22A Raptors he will get. “I’ve always said I need 381,” asserted Keys. However, the approved number now is just 183, so he says, “If that’s all I get, that’s all I get.” Above all, said Keys, the Air Force doesn’t want to have a lapse where there would not be a fifth generation fighter in production, and if that happens to be the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, then so be it. “I’m not inclined to buy F-22s over JSFs, because JSF is “A” working and “B” it’s coming online,” Keys said. “I need more new airplanes.” Asked about a suggestion made last month to up the number of Raptors by 20, Keys said it would be nice but he hasn’t heard any support from Congress on the matter.
Earlier this spring, the 388th Fighter Wing proved just 12 Airmen can operate an F-35 contingency location, refueling and rearming the fighters at spots across Georgia and South Carolina. The demonstration, part of exercise Agile Flag 23-1, marks yet another proof of concept for the Air Force’s plan to send…