F-117A were deployed as part of OIR in 2016

[Flyaway]

It appears to have partly about not wanting to risk the more sensitive F-22 on certain missions.

“Scramble editorial note: The owner of the iPhone is trustful. Unfortunately, he was not allowed to give us the pictures of AAS as scrupulous rules were given to all AAS and OIR personnel about the emergency landing at that time. (but we can assure you, although of poor quality, they looked adrenaline-kicking great!). Following the F-117s flights through Death Valley, the involved person consulted a high ranking OIR commander who gave permission to publish the aforementioned words.”

https://theaviationgeekclub.com/one-of-the-f-117s-secretly-deployed-to-the-middle-east-to-take-part-in-oir-made-emergency-landing-in-kuwait-scramble-magazine-says/

 

[mkellytx]

It makes a lot of sense if you don't want to expose your F-22's to certain Russian systems. The big problem is are there any active duty pilots still qualified and current on the type? There are some big legal issues with allowing contractors to fly actual combat missions, not sure if a JAG would be willing to sign off on that...

 

[_Del_]

Pretty easy fix if they were once service members (which is pretty common). You just activate them from Inactive- or Retired- reserve status.

 

[Archibald]

their engines are F404, no big issue with all the Hornets and Grippens along...