Foreign Media: Due to "Operational Mission" Requirements, Two F-22 Fighter Jets of the U.S. Air Force Withdraw from the "Super Bowl" Flight Performance
[Global Network Report, Reporter Yan Peiyun] According to the British "Independent" on the 7th local time, the U.S. Air Force announced on the 6th that two F-22 "Raptor" stealth fighters originally scheduled to participate in the flight demonstration for the 60th Super Bowl have withdrawn from the performance due to "operational requirements."
Reports indicate that Katie Spencer, who is responsible for organizing the U.S. Air Force sports promotion program and coordinating this flight demonstration, stated in an interview that the F-22 fighters were originally part of the flight demonstration plan but were redeployed due to increased "operational demands." "We wanted the Air Force's fifth-generation fighters and the Navy's fifth-generation fighters. But as some things happened within the military and the operational tempo increased, the F-22s were reassigned to execute some combat missions," Spencer said.
Reports also mention that Spencer declined to disclose details about the missions that required the redeployment of the two fighters. The report further noted that the F-22s have recently participated in several operations, including the "Midnight Hammer" operation against Iran in June 2025.
Recently, the U.S. has continued to pressure Iran, deploying several warships, including the USS Lincoln, in the Middle East, threatening military intervention. On the 6th of this month, indirect negotiations were held between Iran and the U.S. in Muscat, the capital of Oman. Although both sides subsequently signaled a willingness to continue negotiations, the U.S. continues to exert military pressure on Iran and escalate economic sanctions, while Iran strengthens its military deterrence against the U.S. The deep-seated differences between the two sides on key issues such as Iran's nuclear program and U.S. sanctions against Iran remain difficult to bridge, and the "war alarm" in the Middle East has not been lifted.
Two F-22 Raptors from the U.S. Air Force withdrew from the Super Bowl flyover on February 6, 2025, due to operational requirements. The aircraft were redeployed for combat missions amid increasing military pressure on Iran. Recent actions involving the F-22s include participation in operations against Iran, while indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran continue.
- Two F-22 Raptors withdrew from the Super Bowl flyover due to operational needs.
- The F-22s were redeployed for unspecified combat missions.
- The U.S. military is increasing pressure on Iran in the Middle East.
- Recent operations involving F-22s include actions against Iran.
- Indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are ongoing.