The US Air Force recently spent $10.9 billion to modernize and upgrade F-22 fighters. However, US media believe that when the 10-year upgrade and maintenance work is completed, the possible "life span" of the F-22 fighter will be exhausted. The US "defense news" website reported on November 6 that the US Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $10.9 billion contract on November 5 to modernize the US Air Force's F-22 fighter. It is reported that the plan from the F-22 fighter project office, called "advanced Raptor enhancement and maintenance" project (Ares), will cover the maintenance and modernization of F-22 fighters for up to ten years. In addition, according to a statement by the U.S. Department of defense, the contract will include the upgrading, enhancement and maintenance of F-22 fighters. Loma will also provide logistics support services and procurement of modern hardware kits. It is reported that if all contracts are executed, the Pentagon expects these works to be completed on October 31, 2031, and the specific work will be carried out in Fort Worth, Texas. However, the report mentioned that when the F-22 fighter completes the modernization and upgrading of the Ares project, the service life of the fighter itself may be near the end. Air Force Chief of staff Charles Brown said in May this year that the US Air Force was planning to retire F-22 fighters as part of the air force's efforts to reduce fighter inventory. Clinton hinott, deputy chief of staff of the US air force, who is responsible for the strategy, integration and requirements of the US air force, also said in an interview in May this year that before the launch and operation of the "Next Generation Air Superiority program" (the sixth generation aircraft of the US Air Force), the US Air Force plans to use the F-22 fighter as a "bridge". Hinot said that by the 1930s, the F-22 fighter will have a history of 40 years. This fighter was developed in 1991. "The F-22 will no longer be the right tool to complete the mission," he said (outlook new era)