Lawmakers aim to assess the Air Force's plans for integrating collaborative combat aircraft (CCAs) and developing the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) future fighter platform within the $874.2 billion Fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.
Although the proposal allows the Air Force to retire certain A-10s and early-model F-15s, it places conditions on decreasing the A-10 fleet until the service provides Congress with a report on close air support and Warthog-centric missions.
The ongoing debate between Congress and the Air Force over the A-10 concerns its survivability in future conflicts. Congress has previously blocked attempts to retire the Warthog.
Efforts to retire 32 F-22s, primarily used for training and deemed costly to make combat-ready, have faced opposition. Congress previously blocked the retirement of these jets and is poised to do so again.
The bill mandates the Air Force to maintain a specific fighter inventory temporarily and requests a long-term plan for tactical fighter force structure by April 1.
Lawmakers demand detailed reports on the Air Force and Navy's plans for CCAs and NGAD, focusing on acquisition strategies, costs, and performance goals. Additionally, they seek information on the HH-60W Jolly Green II rescue helicopter and other fleet retirements.
The bill also addresses concerns over early production of T-7A Red Hawk trainer aircraft and requires an evaluation of risks associated with overlapping development, testing, and production phases.
Lastly, the legislation calls for the Air Force's tanker fleet update plan, including the KC-135 recapitalization and the Next Generation Air Refueling System (NGAS) procurement.
The bill also considers the possibility of transferring retired aircraft to ally or partner nations, although it does not specify Ukraine in this provision.
No comments:
Post a Comment