ANG Fighter Recapitalization

Priority

Air National Guard

Problem

The USAF fighter fleet is the oldest, smallest, and least ready in its 78 year history. 13/24 Air National Guard Fighter Squadrons lack a recapitalization plan commensurate with combat capability needs
identified in the 2026 National Defense Strategy.

Recommendation

The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) strongly urges Congress to:

Appropriations for multiyear contracts for maximum year-to-year production of F-35A and F-15EX at fully burdened cost
Authorization for no less than 1,817 Total Aircraft Inventory (TAI) and 1,162 combat-coded Primary Mission Aircraft Inventory (PMAI)
Concurrent recapitalization across all AF components of all remaining legacy F-16s B30-52 into advanced fighters

Background

The ANG plays a critical dual role as both the Air Force’s primary combat reserve and a key homeland defense force. Over the past 30 years, the ANG shifted from a strategic reserve to an operational force supporting continuous deployments. Although the Air Force has taken steps toward integrating the ANG into modernization planning, a fully executable recapitalization plan is still lacking, creating risk of divestment and loss of experienced pilots and maintainers.

F-15C/D, F-15EX, F-16, F-22, F-35A, A-10 States & Units

*Programmatic Decision as of March 2026*

F-15C/D

CA: 144th FW, Fresno (F-15EX, 2027)*
LA: 159th FW, New Orleans (F-15EX, 2027)*
MA: 104th FW, Westfield (F-35A, 2026)*

F-15EX

OR: 142nd W, Portland

F-16

AZ: 162nd FW, Tucson
CO: 140th FW, Aurora
DC: 113th FW, Joint Base Andrews
IN: 122nd FW, Fort Wayne
MN: 148th FW, Duluth
NJ: 177th FW, Atlantic City
OH: 180th FW, Toledo
OK: 138th FW, Tulsa
SC: 169th FW, Eastover
SD: 114th FW, Sioux Falls
TX: 149th FW, San Antonio