Defense S
ecretary Robert Gates sat in the cockpit of one of the Air Force’s F-22A Raptors during a visit to Langley AFB, Va. Seated in the new stealthy fighter, Gates listened to a review of its attributes from Lt. Col. Dirk Smith, commander of Langley’s 94th Fighter Squadron. Smith had just returned to Langley from the first participation by the Raptor in Red Flag at Nellis AFB, Nev.
What Are Chinese Media Outlets Saying About the F-47?
April 14, 2026
Chinese media outlets are attempting to dismiss the U.S. Air Force’s planned sixth-generation fighter jet, the F-47, by criticizing the cost, downplaying the technology, and reporting that the U.S. won’t be able to effectively produce the air dominance platform.