U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) introduced the Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act, which would preserve U.S. Air Force (USAF) fighter force structure and prioritize the recapitalization of the 39 service-retained, combat-coded fighter squadrons available to the U.S. Secretary of Defense to respond globally to world events.
Of the 25 Air National Guard Squadrons in the U.S., 15 do not have recapitalization plans. This bill would require the USAF to establish recapitalization plans for those units, including the 122nd Air Wing in Indiana, to ensure that they can maintain their fighter missions for years to come.
Young
“Our military’s readiness and ability to respond to global threats depend on maintaining highly-trained and capable forces,” Sen. Young said. “This bill will safeguard the future of Air National Guard units, including the 122nd Fighter Wing in Ft. Wayne, ensuring our forces are prepared for any challenge they may face and remain strong in the face of threats posed by adversaries abroad.”
The Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act would:
- Raise the minimum number of fighters in the USAF inventory, requiring nearly two-thirds of aircraft to be combat capable;
- Establish a robust reporter requirement to track Air Force Fighter force structure, giving Congress oversight authority of force structure modifications;
- Prioritize recapitalization of Active Duty, Reserve, and ANG units that are “service-retained” (i.e. not assigned to combatant commander) to maximize fighter assets; and
- Require a report on recapitalization of ANG fighter squadrons.
Click here to read the full text of the bill.