U.S. Air Force Utilizes F-117 Nighthawks to Simulate J-20 and Su-57 Aggressors in Training Against F-22 and F-35 Fighters
The U.S. Air Force has brought the retired F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter back into service for a specialized mission. These iconic aircraft are now operating as 'aggressors' in advanced aerial combat drills. The F-117s are being used to simulate the radar signatures and tactics of potential adversaries, specifically China's J-20 and Russia's Su-57 stealth fighters. This unique training pits the Nighthawks against America's premier fifth-generation aircraft, the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. The objective is to provide U.S. pilots with realistic scenarios to develop and refine tactics for countering peer-level stealth threats.
Official Source: https://www.19fortyfive.com/2026/04/u-s-air-force-flies-f-117-stealth-fighter-as-j-20-and-su-57-in-war-drills-against-f-22-and-f-35s/
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