Air Force Fighter Fleet Insufficient for Future Warfare

Air Force to Retain F-15C Four More Years for Homeland Defense

The Air Force is planning to retain some F-15C/D Eagles, among its oldest fighters, to perform the homeland defense mission at least four more years, the service revealed in a “Long-Term Fighter Force Structure” report submitted to lawmakers earlier this year. The last airframes of the venerable fighter would be extended from 2026 through 2030. The report, mandated by Congress in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, requires the Air Fo…

Air Force Fighter Fleet Insufficient for Future Warfare

A classified report delivered to Congress has sounded an alarm regarding the United States Air Force’s fighter jet inventory, suggesting it is dangerously insufficient for winning future conflicts. The ‘Long-Term USAF Fighter Force Structure’ report asserts that the USAF requires 1,558 combat-ready aircraft to effectively conduct operations and minimize risk, a substantial increase from its current operational strength. This numerical deficit, w…