[Philo-Junius]

They work, but they’re appalling expensive to maintain, compared to the stealthy F-22s which are now coming online.

[Secret Agent Man]

I would keep them maintained enough to be ready very quickly though. We lose a few multi-hundred million dollar F-22s out of a smaller total number, you might need them again.

[kingu]

Expensive to maintain, their airframes weren't designed for multi-generational use, and spare parts are starting to dry up. The F-35 has a slightly higher radar profile, should cost a quarter to build, and a tenth as much to maintain, which is why the F-35 will be the mainline fighter, and the F-22 was designed as a replacement for the stealth fighter, and the new munitions that are coming online.

Still, sorry to see it mothballed.