US Air Force tests F-22 with stealthy sensor pods near Edwards

On September 25, 2026, an F-22A Raptor carrying two low-observable underwing pods was photographed during aggressive maneuvers near Edwards Air Force Base. The flights are part of the F-22 Sensor Enhancements program, testing infrared and electro-optical sensing without continuous radar use.

• F-22A with two angular underwing pods photographed on September 25, 2026 near Edwards AFB
• One pod shows a transparent aperture consistent with an IR or electro-optical sensor
• GAO: first sensor-enhancement flight test slipped from March to May 2026 after a subcomponent failure
• The Air Force procured hardware in advance for 30 sensor-enhancement sets