The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor stands as a remarkable American aircraft, featuring a single-seat, twin-engine design with supersonic, all-weather, and tactical stealth capabilities. Its development was specifically tailored for the United States Air Force (USAF), intended to serve as an air superiority fighter while also incorporating functionalities for ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence.

Taking its inaugural flight in 1997, the aircraft underwent designation variations such as F-22 and F/A-22, eventually being formally introduced into service as the F-22A in December 2005. However, the program experienced a reduction to 187 production aircraft in 2009 due to cost considerations and the emergence of the more cost-effective and versatile F-35.

Despite encountering prolonged development and initial operational challenges, the F-22 has emerged as a pivotal asset within the USAF's tactical airpower. Its unique combination of stealth, aerodynamic performance, and advanced mission systems represents a significant leap forward in air combat capabilities, setting a defining standard for its generation.