Legislation introduced by U.S. Sens. Todd Young (R-IN) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) would preserve U.S. Air Force fighter force structure and prioritize the recapitalization of fighter squadrons ready to respond to world events.
The legislation, the Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act, would require the USAF to establish recapitalization plans for 39 service-retained, combat coded fighter squadrons, especially the 15 25 Air National Guard Squadrons in the United States that do not have recapitalization plans. The move would ensure the squadrons are mission ready for years to come.
“Our military’s readiness and ability to respond to global threats depend on maintaining highly trained and capable forces,” 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.”
Officials said the bill would raise the minimum number of fighters in the USAF inventory, requiring two thirds of the aircraft to be combat capable; establish a reporting requirement to track Air Force Fighter force structure; prioritize capitalization of Active Duty, Reserve and ANG units that are service-retained, and require recapitalization reports on the ANG fighter squadrons.
“Highly trained, experienced and prepared forces are a key component of our country’s national defense,” Crapo said. “Closures of fighter squadrons within the U.S. Air Force’s Reserve component mean a permanent loss of these experienced pilot and maintainers. We must preserve and protect National Guard fighter squadrons, like the Idaho Air National Guard’s 190th Fighter Squadron, from force reductions that could harm our national security. This is a critical priority as we continue to face threats from foreign adversaries like Russia, China and Iran.”
The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Sens. John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jim Banks (R-ID), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Rick Scott (R-FL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).