Probably but IDK either
As crazy as it sounds not restarting but developing a Raptor 2.0 is probably better / feasible vs developing a new type gen 6.9 while simultaneously acquiring other new platforms, my historical reference would be the Hornet to Super Hornet. Not a perfect evolution of a platform but pretty good and it got done… a Raptor 2 with mo’ gas, range, bigger weapons bays, etc… would be expensive, likely $200 mil a tail, but possible methinks. Gen 6 fighter with our acquisition process seems like a pathway to hell while shoving money into a nuclear furnace
https://www.twz.com/11728/study-on-restarting-f-22-production-has-finally-arrived-heres-the-verdict
$44 billion quoted in the article but that’s just for 194, go all out get above the original min 380 something, around 600+ but with a plan to use this as a replacement for F-15Cs, Strike Eagles, some percentage of the oldest F-16s, the A-10 (would replace at some ratio not 1:1 with 35s focused on attack mission set, do not try to do A-X) and maybe keep the F-15EX buy modest
The strategy of this COA is to get to fewer high end types but ultimately more of them by trying to get economy of scale in a Gen 5 and Gen 5+
An AD CAF composed of F-22As and F-22Cs, F-35s, F-15EXs and CCAs. Other platforms in the AD CAF but that’s the offensive line…
The ARC would get hand me downs from this process (Strike Eagles) and would take over the majority of the Viper enterprise, maybe getting into light fighters but with as many Vipers that might come available they might not need too
And others… RIP T-1, E-8, E-3, KC-10, RQ-4… soon to be following the B-1 and A-10s