The F-117 was undoubtedly designed as a fighter ... There was never any intention for the Nighthawk to intercept other aircraft. While it had been active several years before the public knew ...

The F-117 Nighthawk was a groundbreaking aircraft publicly unveiled in 1990 after being developed in secrecy since the 1970s.

The F-117 Nighthawk was developed in response to the US' need for a jet that could operate completely undetected by the enemy.