AFA to Congress: Recapitalize Air Force, Strengthen Space Force with ’27 Defense Bill

Arlington, Va., Nov. 6, 2026 — The Air & Space Forces Association is urging House and Senate defense leaders to adopt 12 key priorities in the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization bill working its way through Congress. These include: recapitalize the Air Force, restore its readiness, strengthen the nascent Space Force, and protect the nation from air and missile attack, AFA leaders write in a new letter sent to Capitol Hill leaders.

Addressed to the chairmen and ranking members of the Senate and House Armed Services committees—Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), and Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.)—the letter asks that the Air Force and Space Force receive the funding and authorities necessary to respond to growing international threats.

Congress returns after the midterm elections with only weeks to reconcile the two chambers’ bills and pass legislation that sets policy and priorities for the Pentagon and the military services.

The Air Force’s fleet of aircraft is growing smaller, older, and less ready to fly. Many fighters now exceed 30—and even 40—years of service, and the cores of the bomber and tanker fleets are older than 60. The Air Force requires urgent modernization, the letter states. Combat readiness is stressed by aging aircraft and growing parts shortages, limiting aircraft availability, it adds.

The Space Force, now nearing 7 years old, requires sustained growth and investment to keep pace with increasing demand for its capabilities from the joint force, AFA warned.

“Predictable acquisition, adequate sustainment, and sufficient personnel and infrastructure are essential to delivering operational capability,” the letter states.

Modernize the Fleet

To help promote Air Force combat capability, AFA called on Congress to:

• Raise the minimum requirement for combat-coded fighter jets by 15%, to 1,792 aircraft by 2035.
• Increase F-35A procurement to at least 60 aircraft a year, with multiyear procurement authority, with 38 per year minimum in 2027.
• Buy F-15EXs toward an eventual 36 a year.
• Extend the prohibition on F-22 retirement to Sept. 30, 2032.

“The higher number is needed given the rapid rate of growth of China’s air force,” the letter says of the fighter inventory increase.

AFA also asked Congress to direct the Air Force to retain its MQ-9, buy more EA-37B Compass Call electronic attack aircraft, and acquire 26 E-7 Wedgetail battle management aircraft to answer near-term needs.

Build the Future Force

To bolster the future force, the letter called for Congress to enable increased B-21 Raider bomber production, enabling the fielding of at least 225 Raiders by 2040. AFA also pressed lawmakers to accelerate development of the F-47 next-generation air dominance fighter, building to a force of 381 aircraft as quickly as possible, as well as accelerating development of autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft to increase combat capacity.

Restore Readiness

To solve the Air Force’s readiness shortfalls, AFA urged full funding for weapon systems sustainment and enough flying hours for fighter pilots to fly at least three sorties per week and 200 hours per year, and for bomber and support aircrews to fly at least four hours per week.

Strengthen the Space Force

AFA’s prescription for the Space Force includes:

• Supporting the full $71.1 billion fiscal 2027 budget request, including about $1 billion for four new operations centers.
• Adding $1.7 billion for new infrastructure and $500 million for military construction. More than the request.
• Backing a goal of 25,000 uniformed Guardians and 12,500 civilian personnel by fiscal 2031, supported by a phased workforce plan.

“Secure facilities, information technology, and training infrastructure must keep pace with mission growth,” the letter states.

Defend the Homeland

To help defend the homeland from advanced threats, AFA called for timely development of an integrated air and missile defense architecture, with sustained funding, long-term contracting authorities, and clear milestones, enabling effective congressional oversight.

AFA urged members of the Congressional conference committee to work with the House and Senate Appropriations committees to ease restrictions on new programs. With these restrictions, essential activities are held back during times the Pentagon is forced to operate under a continuing resolution rather than a regularly appropriated budget.

To read AFA’s full recommendations, view the letter on AFA’s Letters to the Hill page.

About AFA 

The Air & Space Forces Association is an independent, non-profit 501(c)3 association. Founded in 1946, AFA is the single largest entity of its kind focused on airpower and spacepower. With more than 350,000 members and 200 chapters spread around the world, our mission is to promote a dominant U.S. Air Force and Space Force as the foundation of a strong National Defense; to honor and support Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect the enduring heritage of the Air Force and Space Force.