Stealth Fighter Down: $334,000,000 F-22 Raptor Was ‘Shot Down’ By U.S. Navy Electronic Warfare Plane
AI Analysis
During a Nellis AFB exercise, a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler successfully simulated the 'shoot down' of an F-22 Raptor using electronic warfare capabilities. The Growler employed its AN/ALQ-218 receivers and ALQ-99 jamming pods to disrupt the Raptor's radar systems.
Key Takeaways
- The exercise took place at Nellis Air Force Base.
- The EA-18G Growler is a Boeing electronic warfare platform.
- The Growler used AN/ALQ-218 receivers and ALQ-99 jamming pods.
- The exercise demonstrated the vulnerability of the F-22's AESA radar to electronic warfare.
- Harrison Kass, a national security journalist, analyzed the event.
Why It Matters
This exercise highlights the growing importance of electronic warfare in modern air combat, showcasing the potential vulnerabilities even of advanced stealth fighters like the F-22 Raptor. It underscores the need for continuous advancements in electronic countermeasures and radar technologies to maintain air superiority.
<img width="1920" height="1080" src="https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/F-22-Raptor-Strike-Package-U.S.-Air-Force.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. – F-22 Raptors from the 1st Fighter Wing sit in position on the runway fduring the Elephant Walk at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, Jan. 31, 2025. The surge was designed to showcase the wing’s operational readiness and its ability to rapidly mobilize airpower. The 1st FW operates F-22 Raptors and T-38 Talons, maintaining combat capabilities that enable the U.S. Air Force to execute missions across the globe. With a focus on air superiority, the 1st FW plays a critical role in defending the nation’s interests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Matthew Coleman-Foster)" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/F-22-Raptor-Strike-Package-U.S.-Air-Force.jpg 1920w, https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/F-22-Raptor-Strike-Package-U.S.-Air-Force-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/F-22-Raptor-Strike-Package-U.S.-Air-Force-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/F-22-Raptor-Strike-Package-U.S.-Air-Force-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/F-22-Raptor-Strike-Package-U.S.-Air-Force-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/F-22-Raptor-Strike-Package-U.S.-Air-Force-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/F-22-Raptor-Strike-Package-U.S.-Air-Force-600x337.jpg 600w, https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/F-22-Raptor-Strike-Package-U.S.-Air-Force-150x84.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><p>Summary and Key Points: Harrison Kass, a former US Air Force pilot selectee and national security journalist, examines the technical reality behind the EA-18G Growler’s simulated air-to-air victory over the F-22 Raptor. -During a Nellis AFB exercise, the Boeing electronic warfare platform utilized its AN/ALQ-218 receivers and ALQ-99 jamming pods to disrupt the Raptor’s AESA […]</p>
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