Aeronautical Systems Center begins industry research toward a replacement for the F-22, dubbing the aircraft the Next Generation Tactical Aircraft (NGTA), which USAF might field around 2030.
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.