China Bombs F-22 Fighters At Alaska AFB In Military Drills, Experts...

China Might Want To Destroy F-22 Raptors In Alaska

The USAF deployed its F-22 Raptors to Japan’s Kadena Air Base in March 2024. In response, China deployed its J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth jets to an airbase located 600 miles away from Kadena, sending a clear message to its adversary.

Over the past few years, China has shown a heightened interest in evaluating its military technology in comparison to the F-22 Raptor. Chinese military innovations, ranging from claims of cutting-edge quantum radar systems to ground-to-air hypersonic missiles, have often been compared to the capabilities of the F-22.

Many Chinese analysts consider the F-22 Raptors the biggest threat to the PLA. These double-engine, super-stealthy fighters could bomb out critical Chinese military infrastructure before their radars could detect them. This could also mean that the Chinese would prefer to destroy the Raptors ‘while they are asleep.’

Such a theory was floated by Hong Kong-based military commentator Leung Kwok-leung quoted by the South China Morning Post. Leung said the images hint at a possible strike at Alaska, where most F-22 Raptors are stationed.

“Alaska is also the base of the most important national missile defense system in the United States. Last year, an F-22 was used to shoot down China’s so-called spy balloon, which shows that the F-22 also undertakes the task of the missile defense system,” Leung said.

Alaska’s strategic location makes it a vital US military outpost. Situated at the crossroads of the Pacific and Arctic regions, it offers unprecedented access and surveillance capabilities over both oceans. Its vital geographical location allows the USAF to quickly scramble fighters to intercept hostile warplanes.

By hosting the F-22 Raptors, Alaska Air Force Base defends the United States and Canada (under NORAD command) and contributes significantly to global security.

F-22 Demonstration Team

The USAF frequently deploys the F-22 Raptor as a show of force against its adversaries and a bid to project power to them. In 2019, during the Polar Force exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, the US Air Force conducted an “elephant walk” featuring 24 F-22 Raptors.

Two Dozen F-22 Raptors Perform “Elephant Walk” As Part Or Readiness Exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska (via X)

Despite never having engaged in combat since going into service, the USAF selected the F-22 Raptor to shoot down a Chinese surveillance balloon hovering over the continental United States last year. It was the first time that a Raptor fired a missile and struck a target, although Beijing maintained that the balloon was benign.

Moreover, in April 2024, the USAF conducted a seven-day exercise operating its F-22A Raptors and aircraft from austere, basic airfields in the western Pacific’s Guam and Mariana Islands. This was largely seen as a combat preparation against China. As experts have noted, the idea is to spread out, get close, and fight China inside its anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) bubble.

Notably, the F-22s from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) Alaska and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) Hawaii flew across the Pacific for the exercise.

As part of these drills, the 3rd Air Expeditionary Wing from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) Alaska “conducted simulated combat situations and tested agility in deploying combat air power across the expansive Indo-Pacific region,” underscoring the importance of Raptors stationed far away in Alaska and positioning them as a threat to the Chinese military.

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China Bombs F-22 Fighters At Alaska AFB In Military Drills, Experts Believe; Here Is Why PLA Wants Raptors Dead

China Might Want To Destroy F-22 Raptors In Alaska