THIS Is World's Most Superior Fighter Jet But Not For Sale Because...One Unit Costs.... Owned By....

The F-22 Raptor, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, represents the pinnacle of air superiority. Developed by Lockheed Martin and Boeing, the aircraft made its first flight on September 7, 1997, in Marietta, Georgia, after six years of development. It has since delivered on its promise of unparalleled dominance in air combat. Featuring a unique blend of stealth, speed, agility, and situational awareness, the F-22 is equipped with lethal long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. Despite the interest of multiple allies, the United States does not allow the sale of the F-22 to foreign nations, a policy rooted in national security concerns.

The F-22 is unmatched in air combat, offering a combination of cutting-edge stealth technology, supercruise capability, and advanced avionics and engine. It is 62 feet (18.90 meters) long, with a wingspan of 44.5 feet (13.56 meters) and a wing area of 840 square feet (78.04 square meters). The aircraft's twin Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 engines generate a thrust of 35,000 pounds (15,876 kg), allowing it to sustain supersonic speeds without afterburners. The F-22 also features an open systems architecture and digital engineering, making it adaptable to future upgrades.

Despite being the world’s most advanced air superiority fighter, the F-22 Raptor is not available for export. The Obey Amendment, passed by the U.S. Congress in 1998, explicitly prohibits the sale of aircraft to foreign countries. This decision was made to prevent adversaries from acquiring its classified stealth technology, which remains one of the most advanced in the world. Unlike the F-35 Lightning II, which was developed with international partnerships, the F-22 was designed exclusively for the U.S. Air Force to maintain uncontested air superiority.

Another significant factor behind the F-22’s restricted availability is its cost. The entire F-22 program cost approximately $62 billion, making it one of the most expensive fighter programs in history. Each aircraft has an estimated unit cost of around $150 million, not including long-term maintenance expenses. The U.S. government has been unwilling to subsidize foreign purchases of the F-22, as it would require additional financial resources to sustain the production line. Given these high costs, the U.S. decided to cap production at 195 aircraft, with 186 operational units, before ceasing production in 2011.

Countries such as Japan, Australia, and Israel have expressed strong interest in purchasing the F-22, but all requests have been denied. Japan, in particular, sought to acquire the aircraft to counter regional threats, while Australia viewed it as a key component of its air defence strategy. However, the U.S. Department of Defense has remained firm on keeping the F-22 exclusive to the U.S. Air Force.

Even with over 500,000 flight hours, the F-22 continues to evolve. The aircraft is undergoing modernization and strategic upgrades to extend its operational lifespan and integrate the latest advancements in sensor technology, weapons systems, and avionics. These enhancements will ensure that the F-22 remains at the forefront of air dominance while paving the way for the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.