6. The F-22 Is Continuously Upgraded
The United States Air Force (USAF) officials told Scout Warrior (now Warrior Maven) that they will begin to upgrade the F-22 Raptor in 2019 to hold AIM-120D as well as AIM-9X Air-to-Air missiles and Air-to-Surface location capabilities. The Aim-120D includes increased attack range, GPS navigation, and a two-way data link. The AIM-9X has a revamped fuse and digital ignition safety device. In 2021, the Air Force also wants to upgrade the digital communications between 4th and 5th generation fighters through data links. Along with these upgrades, the Lockheed Martin is making a software adjustment titled “Update 6” planned for 2020 that will link both sensor packages of the F-22 & F-35.