Mackenzie Eaglen
A 96th Test Wing F-15E Strike Eagle flies during a test mission May 22, 2025 over Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The 96 TW and the 53rd Wing teamed up to test AGR-20F Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II laser-guided rockets on the F-15E in May in an effort to get the capability to the warfighter as quickly as possible. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Barley)
Key Points and Summary – U.S. Air Force leaders briefed Congress on a 10-year fighter recapitalization to escape a readiness “doom loop” created by aging fleets, parts shortages, and high sustainment costs.
-The plan grows capacity while diversifying capability: retain select legacy jets, divest oldest tails, accelerate F-35 and F-15EX buys, push a 6th-gen fighter, and field Collaborative Combat Aircraft as a cheaper force-multiplier.
-Success hinges on solving pilot shortages, boosting mission-capable rates, expanding industrial throughput, and locking sustained funding. With adversaries fielding dense IADS, EW, and hypersonics, officials urge multi-year resources to give industry confidence to scale production and restore credible deterrence.
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