F-22A

The F-22A line item in the Department of the Air Force's FY 2026 budget, as detailed in P-1 Line #115, is focused on the procurement of specialized support equipment for simulation and training environments. This program falls under the Aircraft Procurement, Air Force appropriation, specifically within the Aircraft Support Equipment & Facilities budget activity, and is categorized as post-production support. The primary objective is to enhance the operational readiness and training effectiveness of F-22A Raptor aircrews by providing advanced simulation capabilities.

For FY 2024, the F-22A line item supported the procurement and integration of F-22 In a Box (IAB) systems. These systems are comprehensive simulation packages that include hardware such as the cockpit, Hands-On-Throttle And Stick (HOTAS), landing gear panel, Cockpit Support Rack (CSR), and spares. Additionally, all necessary software licenses and the current software build are included to ensure a fully operational simulation environment. The IAB systems are delivered to the Virtual Test & Training Center (VTTC) at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada.

The core goal of this procurement is to enable the F-22A systems to operate within the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE), a high-fidelity virtual battlespace. The JSE provides a realistic and integrated environment for advanced tactics development, operational test, and aircrew training, supporting Night-1 capability and high-end integrated mission scenarios. By leveraging the JSE, the Air Force aims to ensure that F-22A crews can train for complex, multi-domain operations in a secure and cost-effective manner.

Another significant objective of the F-22A line item is to ensure that capabilities developed through the Air Force's operational imperatives can be rapidly incorporated into warfighting concepts of employment (CONEMPs). This rapid integration is critical for maintaining the F-22A's relevance in evolving threat environments and for ensuring that aircrews are prepared to employ the latest tactics and technologies in real-world operations.

Funding under this line item may also be used to address emerging safety of flight and Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) issues. This includes accommodating technology insertions, responding to field support equipment issues, and fulfilling Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or other regulatory mandates. These activities are essential to ensure continued aircrew safety, maintenance capability, and overall mission effectiveness for the F-22A fleet.

No funding is requested for FY 2026 under this line item, as the major procurement and integration activities were completed with the FY 2024 allocation. The justification for this approach is that the necessary systems and infrastructure have already been delivered and integrated, fulfilling the immediate objectives of the program. Any future requirements for updates or additional support will be addressed through separate funding requests or related program elements as needed.