Air National Guard Squadron Preservation Act of 2025

This bill aims to keep Air National Guard fighter squadrons equipped with modern planes. It tells the Air Force to keep producing and buying at least one “advanced capability” fighter (examples include the latest F-16s and the F-15EX) and at least one “fifth generation” fighter, until every Guard fighter unit replaces its older jets. The Air Force can start new purchase contracts or add to existing ones to make this happen. A federal watchdog (the Government Accountability Office) must review challenges in buying these planes, brief Congress within a year, and deliver a final report 30 days later; the Air Force must then report progress 180 days after that and every year after.

The bill also orders a study on whether the active-duty and reserve Air Force need more advanced fighters. The study must look at possible use of unmanned or autonomous systems, cost effects linked to foreign sales of new F-16s, which units could get these planes, how they meet mission needs, and whether a multiyear contract is best. Findings are due within 180 days of the law taking effect. Overall, the policy goal is to fully modernize Air National Guard fighter squadrons to maintain strength and readiness.

Key points

• Who is affected: Air National Guard fighter units; the Air Force’s active and reserve components (for the study).
• What changes: Keep producing and buying at least one advanced fighter model and one fifth‑generation fighter; allow new or modified contracts; require independent review and regular progress reports.
• When: GAO briefing within 1 year of enactment; GAO final report 30 days later; Air Force progress reports 180 days after the GAO report and annually; study findings due within 180 days.