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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.
