In a compromise version of the Fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) released on Wednesday night, significant provisions related to the U.S. Air Force‘s fleet retirements and future plans have been outlined. The bill grants approval for the retirement of older F-15 Eagle fighters and A-10 Warthogs but blocks the attempt to mothball 32 older F-22A Raptors.
The Air Force’s proposed retirement plan includes 42 A-10 Warthogs and 57 F-15 C and D fighters, reducing the total number of A-10s to 218 and F-15C and Ds to 92. While the NDAA approves the retirement of A-10s, it imposes a limitation, preventing the fleet from dropping lower until six months after the Air Force submits a report outlining how it plans to carry out close air support, combat search and rescue, and other missions associated with the A-10 Warthog.
There has been a longstanding disagreement between the Air Force and Congress regarding the A-10, with the service expressing concerns about its survivability in future conflicts. The compromise bill reflects Congress’s continued interest in retaining the A-10, subject to certain conditions.
The compromise NDAA also addresses the Air Force’s attempt to retire 32 older F-22A Raptors. Despite the Air Force’s assertions that these aircraft are not combat-ready and upgrading them would be cost-prohibitive, Congress blocked the retirement of these F-22s for the second consecutive year. The bill sets conditions for the Air Force to maintain at least 1,112 fighters in its inventory, a temporary reduction from the minimum requirement of 1,145.
Furthermore, the NDAA emphasizes the need for the Air Force to present a long-term plan for its tactical fighter force’s structure, recapitalization, training, and sustainment by April 1. This plan should include the integration of collaborative combat aircraft (drone wingmen) into the fleet at an affordable rate and details on the development of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) future fighter platform.
Lawmakers are particularly interested in the Air Force’s plans for CCAs (collaborative combat aircraft) and want the service to provide reports explaining how it intends to acquire fleets of CCAs at an affordable cost. The NDAA recognizes the potential increase in lethality through the use of CCAs but expresses concerns about the lack of detailed plans from the Air Force.
Moreover, Congress calls for more transparency regarding the Air Force’s plans for piloted NGAD programs. The NDAA mandates reports on key milestones, development and testing events, performance goals, and expected costs for the NGAD’s engineering, manufacturing, and development phase.
The compromise NDAA also addresses various other aspects, including the retention of the HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopter production line, retirement plans for T-1A Jayhawk trainers, and oversight on the T-7A Red Hawk trainer aircraft production.
In summary, the compromise defense policy bill reflects Congress’s continued interest in shaping the Air Force’s fleet structure, emphasizing affordability, and seeking detailed plans for the integration of emerging technologies
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