In a bid to sharpen the readiness of its forces and replicate contemporary threats more accurately, the US Air Force is capitalizing on a proven asset from its storied past—the F-117 Nighthawk.

Despite its retirement from active service in 2008, the Nighthawk remains a key player in the military’s strategic training and missile defense simulations.

As part of an ongoing initiative, the Air Force has sought maintenance contractors to support operations at Nevada’s Tonopah Test Range, ensuring the F-117’s involvement in military exercises until at least 2034.

The F-117 Nighthawk, recognized as the world’s first operational stealth aircraft, has a legacy of circumventing enemy defenses and striking with precision. Its low-observable (LO) technologies and advanced targeting systems have permitted it to navigate through heavily guarded airspace and successfully engage high-value targets.

It was first acknowledged publicly in November 1988 and saw action in a number of critical operations, including its debut mission during Operation Just Cause over Panama in 1989.

With about 45 aircraft maintained in flying or regeneratable stored condition, and roughly three airframes annually undergoing demilitarization, the Air Force has meticulously managed the F-117’s post-service life.

The stealth jets have been spotted participating in various exercises in 2022, demonstrating their ongoing value to military readiness.

A noteworthy aspect of the F-117’s continued relevance is the need for advanced, threat-representative training for the US Air Force. This need prompted the reactivation of the 65th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, now utilizing early F-35As to bolster fifth-generation combat training.

The Nighthawks, in supporting roles, have operated more openly alongside Aggressor aircraft and have been integrated into large-force employment exercises such as Sentry Savannah.

One could speculate on the unique advantages these vintage aircraft bring to the table. The F-117’s design inherently offers a challenging target for contemporary radar and missile-defense systems, providing a high-fidelity simulation of potential stealth adversaries.

This is invaluable for aircrew training and the development of counter-stealth tactics and technologies.

The Tonopah Test Range has been home to the F-117 fleet since its initial deployment and subsequent transfer from Holloman Air Force Base in 1992.

The range facilitates a controlled environment for the F-117s to engage in various test flights and training exercises without compromising their limited operational status or revealing sensitive capabilities.

In aligning with the broader strategic framework of the US Air Force, the F-117’s extended service highlights a judicious mix of legacy systems and modern platforms.

Such integration serves dual purposes—preserving the historical significance of iconic aircraft like the Nighthawk while pragmatically utilizing their unique capabilities to enhance the combat proficiency of current and future warfighters.