Proposal on Combat Airpower, Modernization and Sustainment

Dear Chairman Wicker and Senator Reed:

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) continues to produce large numbers of capable 5th generation, stealth, and air superiority aircraft while working to achieve their stated goal of being able to successfully invade Taiwan by 2027. By comparison, the United States Air Force divested 115 fighter aircraft in 2024, and the average age of the service’s aircraft is 28 years old. To counter this metastasizing threat, the Air Force must not only procure new aircraft but modernize the existing fleet. Therefore, the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) respectfully requests the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) maximize the procurement of new fighters by purchasing 72 F-35As and 36 F-15EXs during its consideration of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization bill. In addition, to assisting the service modernize its existing fleet, the AFA earnestly asks the SASC to increase sustainment spending by $658 million. This will enable an increase from five to 10 percent the amount of sustainment funding used in the modernization of aircraft.

Under current Air Force plans, the service intends to retire over 600 tactical aircraft over the next five years, while acquiring only 246. That is a reduction of the force by almost 350 aircraft. Simultaneously, then-CIA Director William Burns publicly stated that the PRC’s threat to be able to invade Taiwan by 2027 should not be underestimated. Accordingly, it is in the United States best interest to acquire as many aircraft as possible to deter this strategic threat. That includes ensuring the Next Generation of Air Dominance aircraft becomes operational before the beginning of the next decade and procured at a price in which the aircraft can be produced in sufficient numbers. In addition, the number of fighter aircraft must be maximized. Therefore, AFA respectfully requests the SASC authorize the procurement to 72 F-35As and 36 F-15EXs.

Equally as important as procuring additional aircraft is making the most of our existing aging fleet. To do so, older F-16 and F-15s must be modernized and their operational lives extended beyond current retirement plans. To accomplish this, an additional $658 million is required in sustainment funding. Specifically, these funds will enable an increase from five to 10 percent the amount of sustainment funding used in the modernization of aircraft.

Finally, as the war in Ukraine has reaffirmed, military conflict can occur unexpectedly, and deterrence can only be achieved by sustained investment over considerable periods of time. Coupled with the realization that our adversaries, either acting independently or in concert, can take advantage of other conflicts throughout the globe to further realize their objectives; the United States must maximize the number of fighter aircraft it is currently procuring to 72 F-35As and 36 F-15EXs or possibly face greater uncertainties in the future. In addition, sustainment funding must be increased by $658 million to permit those funds to be used for the modernization of existing aircraft.

Thank you for your consideration of these matters.

Sincerely,

Bernie Skoch, Brig Gen, USAF (Ret.)
Chairman of the Board

Burton Field, Lt Gen, USAF (Ret.)
President & CEO