The US Air Force's F-22 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets were used in their first ever combat mission during airstrikes against Syria, Julian E. Barnes and Dion Nissenbaum report for The Wall Street Journal.
The F-22, America's most advanced aircraft, was likely used due to the aircraft's high maneuverability and the sophistication of Syria's air
"Because of its speed and ability to fly at high altitudes, the F-22 can drop guided bombs from much further away than F/A-18s or F-16 fighter planes," WSJ reports. "According to the Air Force, the F-22 can drop a 1,000-pound guided bomb from 15 miles away from the target."
The F-22 was a natural choice of aircraft for carrying out the bombing run in Syria. The plane is technically a fifth-generation fighter, meaning that it is a stealth jet that can take part in a range of multi-role activities.
David Cenciotti at The Aviationist has everything you need to know about the F-22.