>>> F-22 Raptor enters USAF service
by Derek Yeo



THE F-22A RAPTOR - the most lethal air-to-air fighter jet for the next 40 years - entered service with the United States Air Force (USAF) on December 15.

27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia has achieved "initial operational capability", an air force spokesman said.The squadron's aircrews have been training on Raptor for nearly a year.

General Ronald Keys, chief of USAF's Air Combat Command disclosed - at a press teleconference - that the squadron may visit Asia-Pacific next year. But no decision has been made yet.

According to its builder - Lockheed Martin - the F-22 Raptor fighter jet is the world's most advanced. Although not combat-proven yet, tests have shown it is more reliable and effective than its predecessor - the F-15 Eagle.

A Lockheed Martin senior official estimated that over the next four decades, the Raptor will stay relevant.



Acknowledgement: Photo by Reuters/The Straits Times