Summary

Sets higher minimum numbers for Air Force fighter aircraft, protects at least 25 Air National Guard fighter squadrons through 2030, and requires regular, detailed reporting to Congress on the fighter fleet. It prioritizes sending most new advanced fighters to existing, service‑retained squadrons and allows one‑for‑one retirement of older jets as new aircraft arrive. Directs quarterly inventory reports through FY2030 and annual recapitalization plans for the Air National Guard, including timelines, funding by squadron, and readiness impacts. Provides limited, temporary flexibility to lower minimum totals for recapitalization with congressional notice, and defines key fighter categories used throughout the law.

Key Points

• Raises minimum fighter aircraft levels and delays when those minimums take effect.
• Allows the Secretary of Defense to temporarily reduce minimum totals (up to two years) for recapitalization with congressional notice.
• Requires quarterly, unclassified fighter inventory reports through FY2030, with a travel‑funds penalty for late reports.
• Prioritizes sending at least three out of every four new advanced fighters to existing, service‑retained squadrons.
• Permits one‑for‑one retirement of legacy fighters as new aircraft are delivered to the same squadron.
• Maintains at least 25 Air National Guard fighter squadrons from Dec 23, 2024, through Oct 1, 2030, with narrow exceptions.
• Creates an annual Air National Guard recapitalization plan detailing timelines, funding by squadron, and readiness impacts.
• Requires evaluation of procuring F‑16 Block 70s for recapitalization.
• Standardizes definitions for fighter categories to guide assignments and retirements.

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