Despite the cutting-edge technology and significant advancements in stealth capabilities that define fifth-generation fighter jets like the F-22 Raptor, no aircraft is immune to defeat. This was showcased about a decade ago when German Eurofighter Typhoons, during Red Flag air combat exercises over Alaska, claimed notional victories against the renowned American stealth jet, the F-22.

These exercises, taking place in 2012, saw the Luftwaffe’s 74th Tactical Air Force Wing bring eight Eurofighters to Eielson AFB to engage in a series of close-range Basic Fighter Maneuver drills with the Raptors. As the exercises concluded, German pilots were not shy about their perceived success, provocatively noting they had “Raptor salad for lunch.”

Critics argue that these engagements, which occurred within visual range and with the F-22 bearing external fuel tanks, didn’t truly showcase the aircraft’s capabilities, as the scenario forced the Raptor into a defensive position that bypassed its key strengths of stealth and situational awareness.

“When you’re flying the Raptor, you’re not thinking about flying the Raptor,” F-22 pilot Randy Gordon was quoted in a lecture at MIT. “You’re thinking about employing the Raptor. Flying is secondary.”

The Eurofighter Typhoon, on the other hand, was designed more as an evolution rather than a revolution of the air superiority model, focusing on high maneuverability and multi-role versatility.

Germany’s Maj. Marc Gruene, involved in the drills, claimed, “The key is to get as close as possible to the F-22 and stay there. They didn’t expect us to turn so aggressively.”

The drills’ results remain partially classified, with undisclosed final kill ratios, yet it’s known that at least some victories were claimed by the Eurofighters. Despite unconfirmed claims online, official statements indicate that while the F-22s encountered some losses, their wins were not null.

Current capabilities add another layer to the debate. Today’s Eurofighters possess a helmet-mounted targeting system and PIRATE infrared search and track system, potentially spotting stealth fighters like the F-22 at significant distances, though during the 2012 exercises, these systems were not yet implemented on the participating Typhoons.

This story reverberated across the globe, drawing attention to the notion that the F-22, often touted as unbeatable, could indeed be bested under certain conditions. However, it also prompted discussions about the nature of combat, with advocates for both jets presenting compelling arguments for their respective sides.

Supporters of the F-22 emphasize that the training scenarios were skewed and not reflective of actual combat, where the Raptor’s true potential could be fully unleashed, allowing it to engage adversaries beyond visual range before they even detect its presence.

Meanwhile, Eurofighter proponents argue that the ability to hold one’s own against the F-22 in close combat signifies a remarkable feat, underscoring the Eurofighter’s prowess as a top-tier air combat platform.

But these debates, as heated as they may become, miss the forest for the trees. They overlook the essence of training exercises like Red Flag, which are designed to push the boundaries of both pilot and machine to prepare for real-world conflicts. It’s a reminder that no matter the technology, no combat scenario is certain until it unfolds.

In the grand scheme, the Eurofighter Typhoon continues to prove its worth as a cornerstone of European air defense. As of 2024, the Eurofighter consortium, comprised of Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, celebrates the jet’s 30-year legacy while looking ahead to modernization initiatives.

These include a long-term evolution upgrade to the cockpit and computing power, keeping the Eurofighter relevant well into the future.

As the Eurofighter partners eye the production of new Tranche 5 Eurofighters to bridge the gap before the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) becomes operational, the program affirms its substantial impact on European economies, securing thousands of jobs and contributing billions to GDP.

Relevant articles:
– What really happened when F-22 Raptors squared off against the Eurofighter Typhoon?, sandboxx.us
– #EurofighterNextGen – Taking the Eurofighter to the next level, Airbus