Quantcast

US Air Force sees changes in fighter jet fleet under NDAA 2025

Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
US Air Force sees changes in fighter jet fleet under NDAA 2025
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

The United States House and Senate have released a compromise draft of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2025. The bill outlines a total budget of $895.2 billion, with $849.9 billion allocated to the Department of Defense and an additional $33.3 billion earmarked for national security programs within the Department of Energy and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.

Significant changes are noted in the US Air Force's aircraft inventory, particularly concerning fighter jets. Section 143 of the bill details adjustments to the fleet size, aligning with provisions from both legislative bodies. The earlier House proposal reduced the number of fighter aircraft required by the Air Force from 1,145 to 1,106 to allow for retiring 39 A-10 Warthogs. The Senate had initially agreed to retire more aircraft but ultimately accepted a compromise that includes retiring 36 F-15Cs and three F-16s while retaining some other models.

The NDAA also impacts other segments of the Air Force's fleet. It mandates maintaining 16 E-3 AWACS until they can be replaced by E-7 Wedgetail aircraft or until their retirement would not affect capabilities. For tanker aircraft, specifically the KC-135 Stratotanker, replacements must occur on a one-for-one basis without reallocating existing units.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

In terms of bombers, as new B-21 Raiders come into service, there is a requirement for active management of the current B-1 Lancer force structure during this transition period. Additionally, it requires maintaining an inventory of 271 C-130/C-130J Hercules/Super Hercules aircraft and extends retirement plans for Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawks to fiscal year 2029.

The proposed changes reflect ongoing efforts to modernize and strategically manage military assets while balancing budgetary constraints.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

At the Routes Asia Conference 2025, four prominent Asian airlines shared insights into their current challenges and strategic changes they are implementing.

Apr 3, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced a major enhancement in its connectivity services with the rollout of fast, free Wi-Fi across its transatlantic network, encompassing destinations in Europe, Israel, and West Africa.

Apr 3, 2025

After a trip from Nashville to Seattle, Jeanette Kronquist encountered an unexpected issue with her rental car reservation.

Apr 3, 2025

FedEx, het grootste exprestransportbedrijf ter wereld, heeft een nieuwe locatie in Amsterdam geopend, waarmee het zijn logistieke capaciteit in Nederland verder uitbreidt.

Apr 3, 2025

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is under the spotlight for its annual fee of $95, as cardholders and potential applicants weigh the benefits against the costs.

Apr 3, 2025

Eurowings is set to enhance its partnership with Smartwings by extending its service network from Prague’s Václav Havel Airport.

Apr 3, 2025