Bill > S873

This bill aims to preserve and modernize the U.S. Air Force's fighter aircraft fleet by establishing new requirements and guidelines for aircraft inventory and recapitalization. The legislation increases the minimum total fighter aircraft inventory to 1,900 for the Air Force and 1,200 for reserve components, with a deadline extended to October 1, 2030. The bill allows temporary reductions in aircraft inventory during unit transitions, provided the total inventory does not fall below 1,800 aircraft and the reduction does not exceed two years. The Secretary of Defense must notify congressional defense committees before implementing such reductions. The bill mandates quarterly reporting on fighter aircraft acquisitions, detailing the number of new advanced and fifth-generation aircraft received, their assignment to different Air Force components, and the retirement of legacy aircraft. It also prioritizes the assignment of new aircraft to existing service-retained squadrons, requiring that at least three out of every four new aircraft be delivered to such units. Additionally, the bill preserves the Air National Guard's fighter fleet by maintaining at least 25 fighter squadrons and restricting the retirement of existing aircraft. The legislation further requires an annual recapitalization plan for the Air National Guard and provides comprehensive definitions for different types of fighter aircraft, including advanced capability, fifth-generation, and next-generation air dominance fighters.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/873/all-info