The F22 is still superior to everything out there. What are we going for?
I used to think the same but at the end of the day the Raptor really only has it beat in terms of maneuverability while the F-35 bodies it basically everywhere else.
F-35’s avionics are simply another tier while the Raptor has tech from the 80’s. The Panther can take control of allies’ aircraft missiles and ground-to-air rocket launchers/missile silos. That means it may lock on and have another plane shoot a missile at it’s targets. Lock on from the West and guide a missile coming in from another fighter jet to the South to make enemies unclear of where the aircraft is.
Plus it can lock onto other targets without pointing its nose at it so it doesn’t need that much maneuverability to get a tally like the F-22 does. There are cameras at all points around the aircraft so the pilot can see them and lock on. Additionally has better stealth than the Raptor. It’s designed to be a force multiplier that controls the conflict zone.
F-35 vs F-22 is basically like a QB/Point Guard vs WR/Shooting Guard but the point guard is Jokic.
F-22 definitely better for airshows though. The plane is a beauty.