Guard Generals Warn Air Force Is 'Least Ready' Ever, Urge Big Fighter Buy
National Guard generals told Congress that the Air Force is the smallest and least ready in its history and urged a big fighter buy. Their plea, reported by Fox News, came during recent congressional testimony as leaders warned current forces cannot meet growing global and homeland defense demands. Guard leaders pointed to a reduced active aircraft inventory of about 5,004 planes and an average aircraft age of roughly 41.4 years, which they said undercuts sustained combat readiness. They also cited falling mission-capable rates, which slid to about 62% in fiscal year 2024, and urged a large annual fighter buy to restore margins.
The Guard asked for as many as 72 to 100 new fighters a year to close gaps, while analysts expect Congress may settle nearer to roughly 50 per year. Leaders pointed to program choices including more F-15EX, F-35A and future Next Generation Air Dominance jets, with the Air Force planning a broader mix over the next decade. Cost figures complicate purchases: an F-35A runs about $95 million to $120 million in 2026, while an F-15EX costs roughly $90 million to $97 million per jet. Recruiting has been a relative bright spot, with the Air Force meeting its fiscal 2026 targets months early after easing some enlistment standards. Social media reflected sharp differences: some accounts urged buying 72-100 jets yearly, others slammed F-35 readiness with claims of low full-mission-capable rates and shortages in radars and engines.
Coverage of Air Force health has shifted from past emphasis on modernization programs to a new focus on near-term readiness shortfalls and aging fleets. Earlier reporting often highlighted procurement plans and long-term projects, while recent stories driven by Guard testimony and service leaders now press the urgency of buying more fighters quickly. Fox News covered the testimony prominently, helping bring Guard warnings to a broader audience alongside commentary from analysts and users on social platforms.
📊 Relevant Data
The US Air Force's current active aircraft inventory is approximately 5,004 units as of late 2024, which is significantly smaller than historical peaks, such as over 2.4 million personnel and nearly 80,000 aircraft during World War II.
The average age of US Air Force aircraft is approximately 41.4 years as of April 2026, making it the oldest fleet in its history.
United States Air Force — PlaneSpotters.net
US Air Force mission-capable rates across the fleet declined to 62% in fiscal year 2024, the lowest in recent memory.
US Air Force eyes inspections, spare parts funding to boost readiness — Defense News
The US Air Force met its fiscal year 2026 recruiting targets months ahead of schedule, with efforts including amended requirements to address prior shortages.
Air Force hits fiscal 2026 recruitment goal ahead of schedule — Air Force Times
The cost of an F-35A fighter jet is approximately $95 million to $120 million per unit in 2026, while the F-15EX costs about $90 million to $97 million per unit.
How Much Does Lockheed Martin's F-35 Program Cost In 2026? — Simple Flying
📌 Key Facts
- Letter from 22 Air National Guard adjutants general calls the Air Force 'oldest, smallest, least ready' in its 78-year history.
- Guard leaders request 72–100 new fighters immediately, including at least 48 F-35s and 24 F-15EXs, and 72 F-35s plus 36 F-15EXs per year going forward.
- Brig. Gen. Shannon Smith cites Operation Epic Fury in Iran as evidence that existing jets and aircrews are being overused to meet war demands.
- The plea coincides with President Trump's proposed FY2027 Pentagon budget of $1.5 trillion, nearly $700 billion above 2026.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
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