S. 873: Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2025, aims to update certain regulations concerning the United States Air Force's fighter aircraft inventory and enhance its capabilities. Below are the main points of the bill:

Minimum Requirements for Fighter Aircraft

The bill establishes new minimum requirements for the number of fighter aircraft that the Air Force and its reserve components must maintain:

• The total number of fighter aircraft is set to increase from 1,800 to 1,900.
• The number of primary mission aircraft inventory is increased from 1,145 to 1,200.
• It allows for a temporary reduction in the total aircraft inventory during recapitalization efforts, ensuring that at least 1,800 aircraft are maintained at any time for a maximum of two years.

Annual Reporting Requirements

The Secretary of the Air Force is required to submit regular reports to Congress on the status of the fighter aircraft inventory. These reports must include:

• The number of new fighter aircraft received and assigned to various units.
• Distribution ratios of new aircraft among the Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard.
• Information on retired or divested legacy aircraft.
• Details about units scheduled for recapitalization.

Recapitalization of Fighter Aircraft Fleet

The bill mandates that for every four new advanced capability fighter aircraft accepted, three must be assigned to existing squadrons. It also stipulates that for each new aircraft assigned, one legacy aircraft may be retired on a one-for-one basis.

Air National Guard Fighter Fleet Protection

It includes measures to preserve the Air National Guard's fighter fleet by requiring the maintenance of not less than 25 fighter aircraft squadrons during a specified period. Furthermore, legacy and fifth-generation fighter aircraft associated with these squadrons cannot be retired or put into an excess status unless deemed unserviceable on a case-by-case basis.

Annual Recapitalization Plan for the Air National Guard

The Secretary of the Air Force must develop an annual recapitalization plan for the Air National Guard's fighter fleet. This plan should outline:

• Identifying all fighter aircraft squadrons existing as of the enactment date.
• A timeline for recapitalization actions through October 1, 2030.
• Evaluation of budgetary impacts on active and reserve forces.
• Feasibility studies for the potential acquisition of certain fighter aircraft models.

Definitions of Aircraft Types

The bill provides specific definitions for various types of aircraft, including:

• Advanced Capability Fighter Aircraft: New production variants like the F-16 Block 70 and F-15EX.
• Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft: Specifically, the F-22 and F-35.
• Legacy Capability Fighter Aircraft: Older models such as the F-16, F-15C/D/E, and A-10C.
• Next-Generation Air Dominance Fighter Aircraft: Emerging sixth-generation fighters.

Overall Impact

The overall aim of the bill is to ensure that the Air Force maintains a robust and capable fleet of fighter aircraft, focusing on modernization and the transition from older models to newer generations while addressing operational readiness and budgetary management.

Relevant Companies

• BA (Boeing): As a manufacturer of fighter aircraft, Boeing could be impacted by increased orders for advanced capability fighters and the need for updates to existing models under this bill.
• LMT (Lockheed Martin): Similar to Boeing, Lockheed Martin, which produces the F-35, may see increased demand due to the focus on fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
• NOC (Northrop Grumman): This company is involved in defense, aerospace, and technology and may be affected by changes in aircraft requirements and modifications/upgrades as stipulated by this bill.