BD Crew,

Everyone thinks that their fighter squadron is the best fighter squadron. “Loyalty is always velco-deep” as they say. But since 1953, the Hughes Trophy (now known as the Raytheon Trophy) is awarded to the fighter/air defense squadron with the best air superiority performance, operational mission performance, inspection results, and exercise involvement. It’s an unofficial way to crown “the best air superiority squadron” every year. With a sponsor like Raytheon, it makes sense that the F-15 and F-22 have won the bulk of the Raytheon Awards since around 1973.

The 2023 Raytheon Award went to the 421st Fighter Squadron from Hill AFB, UT. It marked a shift as the first F-35 unit to win the award. Known mainly for SEAD, the F-35 seems to be stepping into it’s role as an all-around air superiority fighter. Like we saw last week, air superiority INCLUDES freedom from SAM shots.

Of note for BD users, there is a large contingent of Reserve pilots that fly F-35s at Hill AFB.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiSVhSh5bUw