Stealth Fighter Goes Down: $334,000,000 F-22 Raptor Was ‘Shot Down’ By U.S. Navy Electronic Warfare Plane

AI Analysis
A U.S. Navy Electronic Warfare (EW) aircraft reportedly 'shot down' a $334 million F-22 Raptor during a training exercise. The incident highlights vulnerabilities even in advanced stealth aircraft and the growing sophistication of EW capabilities. Details surrounding the 'downing' remain limited, but suggest a successful demonstration of EW tactics against a high-value asset.
Key Takeaways
- An F-22 Raptor was defeated in a simulated combat scenario by a U.S. Navy EW aircraft.
- The article emphasizes that even advanced stealth aircraft like the F-22 are not invulnerable.
- The specific EW tactics employed are not detailed, but the incident showcases the increasing effectiveness of electronic warfare.
- The F-22 Raptor, despite its age, is still considered a highly capable 5th-generation fighter.
- The event occurred during a training exercise, suggesting a controlled environment for testing and evaluation.
Why It Matters
This event underscores the importance of investing in both offensive and defensive electronic warfare capabilities. It suggests a potential shift in air combat dynamics, where EW may play a more decisive role in neutralizing advanced aircraft. This will likely drive further development of EW systems and tactics across all branches of the U.S. military.
<img width="1920" height="1080" src="https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/F-22-Raptor-Stealth-Fighter.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="U.S. Air Force Maj. Paul Lopez, F-22 Demo Team commander, performs an aerial demonstration during the Thunder over Georgia Air Show at Robins Air Force Base, Sept. 28, 2019. Founded in 2007, the F-22 Raptor Demo Team showcases the unique capabilities of the world's premier 5th-generation fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Sam Eckholm)" 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/2026/04/F-22-Raptor-Stealth-Fighter.jpg 1920w, https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/F-22-Raptor-Stealth-Fighter-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/F-22-Raptor-Stealth-Fighter-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/F-22-Raptor-Stealth-Fighter-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/F-22-Raptor-Stealth-Fighter-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/F-22-Raptor-Stealth-Fighter-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/F-22-Raptor-Stealth-Fighter-600x337.jpg 600w, https://www.19fortyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/F-22-Raptor-Stealth-Fighter-150x84.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><p>The F-22 Raptor is considered by many to be one of the most advanced aircraft currently in service. Despite being built in the 1980s and 90s, it retains unmatched stealth systems, and its advanced avionics allow it to take down practically any adversary before being seen. However, the Raptor is not invincible. Its stealth qualities […]</p>
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