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The Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act would establish requirements to track Air Force Fighter force structure and would grant Congress greater “oversight authority” of force structure modifications.
“Highly trained, experienced and prepared forces are a key component of our country’s national defense,” said Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, one of the bill’s Senate cosponsors.
“Closures of fighter squadrons within the U.S. Air Force’s reserve component mean a permanent loss of these experienced pilot and maintainers. We must preserve and protect National Guard fighter squadrons,” he asserted.
Crapo is joined by Sens. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., in reintroducing the measure.
Fighter recapitalization is a longstanding NGAUS priority.
Reps. Don Bacon, R-Neb., Jason Crow, D-Colo., Jack Bergman, R-Mich., Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., Andy Harris, R-Md., Steny Hoyer, D-Md., John James, R-Mich., Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., and Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, cosponsored the bill in the House.
Over the last 30 years, the Air Force fighter force structure has been reduced by nearly 60%, while the average age of fighter aircraft has increased by 200%.
The bill would require regular reports on recapitalization of the 25 ANG fighter squadrons in existence today. Of those 25 squadrons, 15 do not have a recapitalization or modernization plan to replace retiring legacy fighters.
The fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act did include a provision directing the secretary of the Air Force “to submit a plan for sustainment and recapitalization of all 25 Air Guard fighter squadrons.”
Supporters of the new legislation want to build on this existing framework.
“Our ability to fight and win the wars of the future will require robust combat air power,” said retired Maj. Gen. Francis McGinn, the NGAUS president.
“The Air National Guard is a critical part of that equation, making up 30% of USAF combat air power but only 7% of the total Air Force budget,” McGinn added. "The Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act will ensure the Air National Guard, the Air Force Reserve and the active component have the modernized fleet they need to deter and deny our enemies.”
If the reports are not produced on time, “no funds may be obligated or expended for travel by the Secretary of the Air Force until the report is submitted,” according to bill text.
— Jennifer Hickey
