F-22s Used In Syria Strikes; Right Force, Right Time, Say Analysts

[unhappycamper]

http://breakingdefense.com/2014/09/f-22s-used-in-syria-strikes-right-force-right-time-say-analysts/



F-22s Used In Syria Strikes; Right Force, Right Time, Say Analysts
By Colin Clark on September 23, 2014 at 10:23 AM

WASHINGTON: While we don’t yet have much detail on how many were used, what munitions were used or what targets they hit, F-22s were used in last night’s air strikes in Syria against ISIL and al Qaeda.

F-22s flew in the second of three waves of attacks launched against ISIL targets in Syria, Lt. Gen. William C. Mayville, the Joint Director of Operations, told reporters during a briefing on last night’s air strikes.

The F-22 Raptors were mostly present to protect other aircraft from both surface-to-air missiles and from the fighter jets of Syria and Iran, said Robbin Laird, a defense consultant here known for his in-depth knowledge of the F-22.

For the Air Force, this is a talismanic moment. The F-22 is widely considered the world’s ultimate fighter with its supercruise capability, stealth and superior maneuverability. But it has, until last night, not been used in combat operations, leading to mocking comments directed at the expensive aircraft, which former Defense Secretary Robert Gates capped at 187 planes. That drought has ended, and with good reason, say two of America’s most highly regarded experts on air warfare.

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Take a look at my sigline. The F-22 cost $418,000,000 each, delivered.

[snappyturtle]

1. I haven't read the link yet; what you included is about all I can stand to

read about at present. The U.S. is certainly good at technology to kill. I just wish the F-22 could be used for humanatarian relief shipments...THEN I'd be happy. I'm getting too old for war...constant warring.

Thanks for the posting though.

[malthaussen]

2. Given what's in the area, P-40s would probably have been adequate.

But hey, we need to be prepared.

-- Mal