F-22 Raptors Could Be First Combat Jets to Control Loyal Drone Wingmen

The US Air Force is set to upgrade its F-22 Raptors to control unmanned aerial systems midflight, positioning it to become the first operational combat jet to team up with Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones.

Beginning in 2026, Raptors will get tablet-based control systems and undergo other relevant modifications to enable secure in-cockpit drone control.

The upgrade will cover 142 combat-coded F-22s from the air force’s 185-jet fleet, focusing on those maintained for frontline missions.

Read the full story on NextGen Defense: F-22 Raptors Could Be First Combat Jets to Control Loyal Drone Wingmen