USAF Upgrades F-22 Raptor to Command Autonomous Combat Drones

F-22 Raptor to Command Autonomous Drones: A New Chapter in Air Combat

In a significant leap for military aviation, the United States Air Force (USAF) has selected the F-22 Raptor as the first manned fighter jet to command autonomous drones during combat operations. This strategic decision marks a transformative shift in how air superiority is achieved, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned systems with existing fifth-generation fighter platforms.

Announced in June 2025, the Crewed Platform Integration (CPI) program aims to retrofit the F-22 fleet with advanced hardware and software that allows pilots to control Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), commonly referred to as drone wingmen. This initiative aligns with the USAF’s broader vision for Tactical Air Dominance and reflects a growing emphasis on manned-unmanned teaming in contested environments.

With a $15.048 million investment in its first phase, the CPI program is not only a technological upgrade but a doctrinal evolution. It positions the F-22, a platform introduced in 2005, as a central node in a future combat network where human pilots and AI-enabled drones operate in tandem.

Integrating the F-22 with Autonomous Systems

The CPI Program and Its Technical Scope

The CPI program involves the procurement and installation of 142 cockpit kits across the operational F-22 fleet. Each kit includes tablets, communication cables, and integration components that allow pilots to interface with CCAs in real-time. These modifications are designed to enable secure, tablet-based control of drones performing reconnaissance, electronic warfare, or strike missions.

According to budget documents, each tablet system costs approximately $86,218. The total cost of the kits is estimated at $12.243 million, with the remaining funds allocated to training, simulation, support equipment, and program management. The first 56 installations are scheduled for Fiscal Year 2026, with hardware delivery expected by June 2026.

While the exact communication protocols remain undisclosed, previous trials involving the F-22 and XQ-58A Valkyrie suggest the use of the Inter-Flight Data Link (IFDL), a jam-resistant, encrypted system already in use by the Raptor. This ensures secure data exchange between the pilot and autonomous assets during missions.

“Integrating autonomous drones with manned fighters like the F-22 represents a transformative leap in air combat, allowing pilots to leverage AI for enhanced situational awareness and mission flexibility.”, Dr. Michael Gilmore, former Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, DoD

Strategic Implications and Combat Flexibility

The ability to command autonomous drones extends the F-22’s utility well beyond its original design as an air superiority fighter. With the CPI kits, the Raptor can now function as a coordination hub for semi-autonomous assets, enhancing its role in distributed operations. This is particularly valuable in high-threat environments like the Taiwan Strait, where adaptability and force dispersion are critical.

In wargames conducted by the Mitchell Institute, CCAs controlled by F-22s were used to pre-position expendable drones in forward locations such as the Ryukyu Islands or the Philippines. These drones served as decoys, jammers, or weapons carriers, functions that reduce risk to crewed aircraft and increase the overall mass of deployed combat power.

The CPI program also supports the USAF’s Operational Imperative #4, which focuses on Tactical Air Dominance. By embedding fifth-generation fighters into a broader network of autonomous systems, the Air Force aims to maintain superiority in increasingly complex and contested airspaces.

Complementing Broader CCA Development

The CPI initiative is part of a larger USAF effort to develop and deploy a family of CCAs. In FY2026 alone, $870 million has been allocated for the Increment 1 phase, which includes prototypes like the General Atomics YFQ-42A and Anduril YFQ-44A. The long-term goal is to procure over 1,000 CCAs capable of modular missions, ranging from offensive counterair to increased sensor coverage.

These drones are designed to operate independently or under the supervision of manned platforms like the F-22. Their modularity allows them to be equipped with payloads such as AIM-120 missiles, Small Diameter Bombs, or jamming systems. This flexibility makes them suitable for a wide range of tactical scenarios, from direct strikes to electronic deception.

By integrating with CCAs, the F-22 can now serve as both a shooter and a battlefield coordinator. This dual role enhances mission effectiveness while minimizing exposure to threats, a key consideration given the Raptor’s limited fleet size and high maintenance demands.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Operational and Logistical Hurdles

Despite its promise, the CPI program faces several challenges. The F-22 fleet consists of only 187 operational units, and their maintenance requirements are among the most demanding in the USAF inventory. Retrofitting these aircraft with new systems adds another layer of complexity to an already resource-intensive platform.

Moreover, the integration of autonomous systems requires extensive testing, certification, and training. Pilots must adapt to new interfaces and mission profiles, while ground crews must support the added technical infrastructure. These factors could influence the pace and scope of CPI implementation.

Another consideration is interoperability. As the USAF introduces additional CCAs and upgrades other platforms like the F-35, ensuring seamless communication and coordination across different systems will be essential. This requires standardized protocols and robust cybersecurity measures to prevent interference or exploitation.

Global Strategic Context

The USAF’s move to integrate autonomous drones with manned aircraft reflects a broader global trend. Nations like China and Russia are also developing loyal wingman programs, aiming to enhance their air combat capabilities through AI and unmanned systems. This has led to what some analysts describe as an emerging arms race in autonomous warfare.

In this context, the F-22’s new role underscores the USAF’s intent to maintain a technological edge. By leveraging existing platforms for new missions, the USAF can field advanced capabilities more rapidly than if it relied solely on new aircraft development. This approach also extends the operational relevance of legacy systems into the 2030s and beyond.

Defense analyst Dr. Valerie Insinna notes, “The F-22’s role as a drone command platform could extend its operational relevance well into the 2030s, complementing newer aircraft and unmanned systems.”

Doctrinal Evolution and Training

The integration of manned and unmanned systems is not just a technical shift, it represents a doctrinal evolution. Traditional air combat tactics are being redefined to include AI-enabled decision-making, distributed operations, and networked engagements. These changes necessitate updates to pilot training, mission planning, and command structures.

Programs like CPI are paving the way for a new generation of airmen who must be proficient not only in flying but also in managing complex human-machine teams. The USAF is expected to invest in simulation and training tools to prepare crews for these emerging roles.

As the battlefield becomes more digitized and autonomous, the ability to adapt and innovate will be key to maintaining air superiority. The F-22’s transformation into a drone commander is a step in that direction, signaling a future where man and machine operate as an integrated combat team.

Conclusion

The USAF’s decision to retrofit the F-22 Raptor with systems for commanding autonomous drones marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of air combat. Through the CPI program, the Raptor transitions from a pure air superiority fighter to a central node in a networked force, capable of directing semi-autonomous assets in real time.

While challenges remain in implementation, training, and interoperability, the strategic benefits are clear. By enhancing the F-22’s capabilities and integrating it with emerging technologies, the USAF is building a more flexible, resilient, and lethal air force prepared for the demands of future conflicts.

FAQ

What is the Crewed Platform Integration (CPI) program?
The CPI program is a USAF initiative to retrofit F-22 Raptors with hardware and software that allows pilots to command autonomous drones during missions.

How many F-22s will be modified under this program?
A total of 142 operational F-22s will receive cockpit kits enabling manned-unmanned teaming capabilities.

What types of missions will the drones perform?
The drones, or CCAs, will conduct tasks such as reconnaissance, electronic warfare, decoy operations, and kinetic strikes under pilot supervision.

Sources: U.S. Air Force, Reuters, Congressional Research Service, U.S. Air Force, Air & Space Forces Magazine