The F-22 has been judged “effective, suitable, and mission capable,” according to the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center. AFOTEC just completed Phase II of the Follow-On Operational Test and Evaluation of the Raptor, a “significant milestone in terms of validating the F-22’s combat capability” to perform offensive counter-air missions and destruction of enemy air defenses, according to AFOTEC commander Maj. Gen. Steve Sargeant. The F-22 was scrutinized for its air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, mission generation, and mission support. Lockheed Martin makes the F-22, and company VP Jim Grant said at a Wednesday press conference that “if you know anything about how tough they are in FOT&E, this is a rave.”
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.
