In 2013, an incident involving a U.S. F-22 Raptor and an Iranian F-4 Phantom highlighted the stark technological gap between the two countries' air forces. The F-22 covertly maneuvered beneath the F-4, ultimately advising the Iranian pilot to return home, showcasing superior American airpower.
Lockheed Martin is positioned as a likely frontrunner for the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, a critical initiative set to replace the F-22 Raptor with a new sixth-generation fighter.
The F-22 Raptor, a cornerstone of U.S. Air Force stealth capability, is recognized for its advanced sensors, agility, and stealth characteristics that provide unparalleled air superiority.
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II continues to face scrutiny over its high costs and operational challenges, as highlighted in a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report which pointed to increasing sustainability costs and decreased operational plans due to reliability issues.