Sponsors (2)
This bill modernizes and sustains F‑15 fighter capability and defense‑industry jobs, but it raises taxpayer costs and risks diverting funds, competitive procurement benefits, and base infrastructure capacity away from other priorities.
Military personnel will receive newer, more capable F‑15EX fighters that improve frontline readiness, rapid deployment/response, combat effectiveness, and crew survivability.
Workers and communities tied to fighter production and bases will see sustained jobs and local economic activity because continuous procurement preserves the defense industrial base and production lines.
Taxpayers and state/local officials gain greater oversight and transparency through GAO review and required reporting on procurement challenges and progress.
Taxpayers will likely face higher defense spending and procurement costs to recapitalize legacy aircraft and sustain continuous fighter production.
Military personnel and taxpayers may see funds diverted from investments in fifth-/next‑generation systems, other military priorities, or domestic programs because of prioritized spending on F‑15 recapitalization.
Taxpayers and competitors in the defense industry could be disadvantaged if focused congressional support for the F‑15 platform reduces competition and biases procurement decisions.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Requires ongoing procurement of advanced-capability fighters until every legacy fighter in each ACC Fighter Wing is replaced, mandates GAO review, and requires implementation reporting.
Introduced June 17, 2025 by Don Davis · Last progress June 17, 2025
Requires the Secretary of the Air Force to keep producing and buying at least one model of advanced-capability fighter until every legacy fighter in each Air Combat Command (ACC) Fighter Wing is replaced by an advanced fighter, starting with squadrons that deploy most often. Authorizes new or modified contracts to acquire those aircraft, directs the GAO to review procurement challenges and report to congressional defense committees, and requires the Secretary to report on implementation and replacement progress on a set timeline. Also records congressional findings that emphasize declining mission-capable rates for legacy fighters and the operational value of certain legacy platforms, and it defines key terms such as “advanced capability fighter” and “legacy capability fighter.”