Washington, DC, July 11 - The National Guard Bureau has submitted a $2.4 billion unfunded priorities list for fiscal year 2026 to Congress, emphasizing the acquisition of advanced fighter jets to bolster its air capabilities amid evolving global security challenges. The list, a strategic tool used annually to highlight additional funding needs beyond the Pentagon’s official budget, prioritizes the procurement of nine Boeing F-15EX Eagle II jets for $1 billion and six Lockheed Martin F-35A Joint Strike Fighters for $556 million. These aircraft are intended to enhance the Air National Guard’s operational readiness and modernize its aging fleet to meet both domestic and international mission requirements, particularly in contested regions like the Indo-Pacific.
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The F-15EX, a modernized fourth-generation fighter, is sought to standardize aircraft numbers for Guard squadrons in Oregon, California, and Louisiana, ensuring each has three backup aircraft to maintain operational consistency. The addition of these jets aligns with the Guard’s goal of establishing robust combat squadrons capable of addressing high-intensity conflicts. Additionally, the list includes $417 million for 54 sets of conformal fuel tanks for the F-15EX, which would extend the aircraft’s combat range and enhance its effectiveness in expansive theaters like the Indo-Pacific. The F-35A, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, is aimed at supporting integration requirements for operations in highly contested environments. The requested jets would bolster a training unit in Oregon and support the Air National Guard’s F-35 Combined Test Fleet at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, ensuring pilots are adequately prepared for advanced combat scenarios.
This $2.4 billion wish list, roughly comparable to the $2.7 billion FY25 version, reflects the National Guard’s strategic pivot toward modernization amid fiscal constraints. Fighter procurement dominates the budget, accounting for over half of the requested funds, but the list also includes $203 million for dual-status technician pay, $134 million for aircraft sustainment, and $55.7 million for infrastructure improvements. These additional priorities underscore the Guard’s broader needs, balancing equipment upgrades with personnel and operational support. The Pentagon’s proposed $961.6 billion budget for FY26 relies heavily on a $113.3 billion reconciliation bill, which complicates funding prospects for the Guard’s requests, especially as the Air Force prioritizes other programs like the Next Generation Air Dominance fighter and the B-21 Raider bomber.
The National Guard’s push for additional F-15EX and F-35 jets is driven by the need to replace aging aircraft and maintain a competitive edge in global operations. However, challenges arise with resource allocation, particularly following the announcement of a new F-15EX squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan, which could strain aircraft distribution to other states. Congress often uses unfunded priorities lists to justify additional defense spending, particularly for programs with strong economic ties to local constituencies. The F-15EX, built in Missouri, and the F-35, assembled in Texas, support thousands of jobs, making the Guard’s request politically appealing. Historically, Congress has boosted fighter procurement based on such lists, as seen with 12 additional F-15EXs funded in 2021. Yet, the constrained fiscal environment for FY26 raises questions about whether lawmakers can balance these modernization demands with broader budgetary realities, potentially impacting the Guard’s ability to fully realize its ambitious air power goals.