Washington, DC, December 15 - In the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Congress has taken decisive steps to counter proposed Pentagon reductions in military aircraft inventories, prioritizing operational readiness amid evolving threats. Lawmakers prohibited the retirement of key platforms, including the A-10 Warthog, F-15E Strike Eagle, and E-3 AWACS fleets, mandating minimum inventory levels to prevent capability gaps. Specifically, the Air Force must maintain at least 103 A-10 aircraft, with 93 designated as primary mission assets through September 2026, while F-15E divestments are halted for the year and E-3 reductions are frozen below 16 active aircraft unless mitigated by E-7 Wedgetail deliveries. These measures reflect congressional concerns over accelerating retirements that could weaken close air support, strike, and airborne early warning roles before next-generation air dominance systems mature.
The NDAA also authorizes over $38 billion for aircraft development, procurement, and modification, underscoring a commitment to balancing legacy fleet sustainment with modernization. While supporting reduced F-35 Joint Strike Fighter acquisitions aligned with delays in upgrades, the bill bolsters programs like the E-7 Wedgetail with continued development funding and imposes detailed reporting on fleet transitions. This approach aims to preserve industrial base capacity and mission continuity as the Department of Defense reallocates resources toward high-priority threats.
Turning to next-generation fighter aircraft programs, Congress is demanding greater transparency and strategic planning for the Air Force's F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) platform and the Navy's F/A-XX carrier-based fighter. The legislation provides substantial funding for the F-47, exceeding $2 billion, while allocating baseline resources for F/A-XX development amid debates over concurrent sixth-generation efforts. Lawmakers require comprehensive reports on acquisition strategies, fielding timelines, basing, and integration with reserve components for the F-47, alongside accelerated oversight for F/A-XX to address potential delays in replacing aging F/A-18 Super Hornets.
Overall, the FY2026 NDAA signals robust congressional oversight of U.S. military aviation, emphasizing sustained air superiority through protected legacy assets and clarified paths for advanced next-generation fighters like the F-47 and F/A-XX. As the bill advances toward final enactment, it reinforces investments in sixth-generation air dominance while safeguarding current capabilities against premature cuts.
