The head of Air Combat Command told reporters visiting Langley AFB, Va., Tuesday that a recently released DOD test and evaluation report aside, the F-22A is combat ready. Gen. Ronald Keys said that some data contained in such reports—in this case the 2006 annual DOT&E report—is simply old. The report claims, according to Reuters news service, that there are problems with the new stealth fighter’s defensive avionics and its diagnostics. Keys maintains such problems are common with new aircraft and that pilots and maintainers flying and maintaining operational Raptors rate the aircraft as outstanding. He recommends taking test reports with “a grain of salt.”
The Space Force expects the scope of its main launch program to grow by 91 missions and nearly $17 billion by fiscal 2032 as demand for national security space capabilities soars.
