Washington, DC, October 30 – Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet stated that F-22 upgrades will deliver fifth-generation-plus capability. Speaking on the October 22, 2026, third-quarter earnings call, he identified F-22 modernization as one of three priorities to increase air combat power at an efficient cost. The effort positions the F-22 Raptor, the F-35, and autonomous systems in the company’s air combat strategy.
Upgrades target original design gaps with advanced sensors, distributed aperture system, data links, and beyond line-of-sight capabilities. Work proceeds at Skunk Works with the U.S. military. Taiclet said these will elevate the F-22 to fifth-generation plus without disclosing schedules, values, or specifications.
The company draws technology across divisions, including a Missiles and Fire Control sensor for the F-22. This supports combining existing platforms, sensors, and networks for mission gains with incremental improvements every three to six months. Parallel F-35 efforts seek sixth-generation technologies delivering 80 percent of new fighter capability at half the cost.
Vectis autonomous aircraft, internally funded for five units with 2027 flight demonstrations, completes the strategy for air-to-air and strike missions. F-22 and F-35 experience guides crewed-autonomous integration. Taiclet framed the initiatives as a combined approach boosting combat power for the United States and allies.
