Congresswoman Sheri Biggs Leads Letter Calling for Stronger Air Force Fighter Fleet

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Sheri Biggs (R-SC-03) led a letter to House and Senate defense leaders urging support for policies in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act and defense appropriations legislation that accelerate the recapitalization of the United States Air Force fighter fleet and preserve sufficient fighter capacity to meet the demands of the 2026 National Defense Strategy.

The letter was signed by 13 Members of Congress and calls for procurement of no fewer than 72 fighters per year, scaling to more than 100 aircraft per year as industrial base capacity allows; multiyear procurement authority for F-35A Lightning II and F-15EX Eagle II aircraft; maintaining not fewer than 57 combat-coded fighter squadrons; and enhanced reporting on fighter force structure and recapitalization plans.

"As a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard, I know firsthand how critical airpower is to defending our homeland, supporting our allies, and keeping our warfighters ready for any mission," said Congresswoman Sheri Biggs. "The Air National Guard is an essential part of America's Total Force, and Congress must ensure our fighter squadrons have a clear path to modern aircraft, stable procurement, and the force structure needed to meet growing threats around the world."

The Members wrote, "The Air Force fighter fleet is the oldest and smallest in its 78-year history, and legacy aircraft have been divested at a 2:1 ratio compared to procurement of new fighters, contributing to a projected decline to the lowest inventory levels later this decade, with the fighter inventory expected to reach its lowest point in Fiscal Year 2028."

The letter further states that recapitalization strategies relying on transfers of legacy aircraft between components do not provide equivalent capability and should not substitute for modernization.

"The U.S. fighter fleet is an essential and front-line capability that allows the U.S. to project force around the world, deter U.S adversaries, and protect our military assets and allies. As new capabilities come online, we must maintain our current fleet of fighter assets until their replacements are fully operational and ready for active missions. FDD Action supports efforts to procure a robust fighter inventory that is prepared for multirole missions and has sufficient assets to deal with contingencies, maintenance schedules, and extended operational needs," said Tyler Stapleton, Senior Director of Government Relations at FDD Action.

"The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) fully supports multi-year procurement of the F-35 and F-15EX aircraft and urges Congress to establish conditions for at least 72 new fighter aircraft per year. We also urge Congress to continue preserving Air National Guard fighter force structure and to direct the Air Force to fully incorporate Air National Guard fighter squadrons in total force recapitalization. We are indebted to Congresswoman Biggs for her commitment to the Air Guard," said MG (Ret.) Francis McGinn, President of the National Guard Association of the United States.

"The Air Force is the oldest and smallest it has ever been. While our force remains unmatched in capability, decades of underinvestment have put us on a concerning trajectory that we cannot ignore. As our adversaries continue to modernize and expand their capabilities, it is critical that we take deliberate steps to ensure the United States maintains its air superiority. I am proud to join Congresswoman Sheri Biggs' letter urging increased procurement of fighter aircraft. This is a commonsense step toward reversing this decline and fulfilling our obligation to provide our warfighters with the tools they need to succeed," said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11).

"Our Air National Guard plays a crucial role in homeland defense and overseas operations. Unfortunately, our fighter fleet is aging, and we must recapitalize our wings at a faster rate. These policies will bolster the readiness of our Air Guard and increase our overall national security," said Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-8).

The letter was signed by Representatives Sheri Biggs, Don Bacon, Donald G. Davis, Russell Fry, Clay Higgins, Dusty Johnson, Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman, August Pfluger, Pete Stauber, Christopher H. Smith, William R. Timmons, IV, and Joe Wilson.