The F-22 Raptor silently slices through the sky, showcasing aerial artistry with its blend of power, stealth, and technology, rendering it almost invisible to its surveillance targets.

Such an event occurred ten years ago when a pair of United States Air Force (USAF) F-22 Raptors showcased their advanced technology and stealth capabilities by intercepting Iranian F-4 Phantoms undetected.

This encounter, which involved the much older Iranian aircraft, remains a stark example of the technological gulf between fifth-generation fighters like the Raptor and earlier-generation aircraft.

The incident in question took place after Iranian forces had attempted to intercept a USAF MQ-1 Predator drone.

The Soviet-designed Sukhoi Su-25s, utilized previously for such an engagement, failed to achieve their mission and embarrassingly had the entire ordeal recorded by the drone’s cameras. This previous attempt was, however, overshadowed when later, a pair of Iranian F-4s decided to take their chances.

Unbeknownst to the Iranian pilots, their target was under the watchful escort of two F-22s.

In what has now become a well-circulated anecdote of aerial prowess, one Raptor reportedly flew underneath the F-4, checked its armament, and then pulled up beside it to advise the Iranian pilots over the radio that it was time to “go home.”

“The incident demonstrates the impressive stealth characteristics of the Raptor, which was able to approach the two Iranian fighters undetected and scout out their arsenals, before scaring them off,” reported The National Interest’s Eli Fuhrman, highlighting the stealth capabilities that have been a hallmark of the F-22 Raptor’s design philosophy.

The encounter is not just a narrative of technological marvel; it also speaks to the disparity in the quality of aircraft between the USAF and the Iranian Air Force. The Iranian fleet, as it continues to operate, struggles from an outdated inventory of aircraft, including the F-4 Phantoms, which first took to the skies in the 1960s.

To keep these relics airborne, Iran has resorted to homegrown parts, which, while innovative, still lag behind contemporary Western or Russian systems in sophistication.

Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that while the F-22’s performance is unquestionably superior, the parameters of air combat exercises and real-world engagements often differ significantly. For instance, as seen in recent exercises like Cope Thunder 23-2, where a Philippine FA-50 light attack jet scored a notional kill against an F-22 during simulated combat, the Raptor’s abilities can be deliberately restricted to ensure a more instructive training experience for all participants.

“This incident marked a momentous development in military history. The Philippine’s Lead-in Fighter Aircraft triumphed over a 5th generation fighter jet in a simulated court of air combat, which took place in the airspace over Luzon, within the context of the Cope Thunder Exercise,” the PAF statement reads.

While this achievement is indeed cause for celebration for the Philippines Air Force, a closer look at this image reveals valuable insights into how a $38 million trainer aircraft converted into an attack aircraft outperformed the $350 million+ Raptor.

In terms of operational fleet numbers, the USAF’s stable of F-22s is fixed at 186, with no plans to produce additional units. This cap on Raptor production may have come from a shift in military priorities following the emergence of unconventional warfare post-9/11.

However, this static count of F-22s brings into question the sustainability and future readiness of the USAF’s air superiority capabilities, especially in light of the aging fleet and the gradual approach to the end of their service life.

Relevant articles:
– ‘You Ought to Go Home’: An F-22 Raptor Flew Under Iran’s F-4 Phantom Undetected, The National Interest, Nov 23, 2023
– Why Iran Still Flies the Ancient F-4 Phantom Fighter (Made in USA), nationalinterest.org
– A Filipino attack jet reportedly beat the F-22 in air combat exercises, sandboxx.us
– The Air Force Only Has 186 F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighters, nationalinterest.org