Definitions

Section 9062 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by sections 2 through 6, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (r) In this section: (1) The term advanced capability fighter aircraft — (A) means any new production variant of an airframe type specified in paragraph (4), including— (i) the F–16 Block 70/72 and any subsequent block; and (ii) the F–15EX and any subsequent variant; and (B) does not include a modified or upgraded version of a legacy capability fighter aircraft. (2) The term fifth-generation fighter aircraft means an F–22 aircraft or an F–35 aircraft. (3) The term fighter aircraft means an aircraft that— (A) is designated by a mission design series prefix of F– or A–; (B) includes one or two crewmembers on board the aircraft when in operation; and (C) (i) executes single-role or multi-role missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground attack, air interdiction, suppression or destruction of enemy air defenses, close air support, strike control and reconnaissance, combat search and rescue support, or airborne forward air control; or (ii) operates collaboratively with an uncrewed aircraft operating semi-autonomously in proximity. (4) The term legacy capability fighter aircraft means a pre-fifth-generation fighter aircraft, including— (A) an F–16 aircraft, whether pre-block or post-block; (B) an F–15C/D/E aircraft; or (C) an A–10C aircraft. (5) The term next-generation air dominance fighter aircraft — (A) means— (i) a sixth-generation fighter aircraft capable of interacting collaboratively with uncrewed aircraft operating semi-autonomously in proximity; or (ii) any other fighter aircraft referenced or designated as a sixth-generation airframe; and (B) does not include uncrewed fighter-type aircraft. (6) The term service retained, with respect to a fighter aircraft unit or a fighter aircraft, means that the unit or aircraft— (A) is controlled by the Regular Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, or the Air National Guard for operational, training, or administrative purposes of the component concerned; and (B) is not assigned to, or under the operational control of, a combatant command or joint task force..