Modification of minimum inventory requirements for air refueling tanker aircraft

(a) Minimum inventory requirement Section 9062(j) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— (1) in paragraph (1), by striking a total aircraft inventory of air refueling tanker aircraft of not less than 466 aircraft and inserting a total aircraft inventory of air refueling tanker aircraft— (A) of not less than 466 aircraft during the period ending on September 30, 2026; (B) of not less than 485 aircraft during the period beginning on October 1, 2026, and ending on September 30, 2027; and (C) of not less than 504 aircraft beginning on October 1, 2027.; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking below 466 and inserting below the applicable level specified in paragraph (1). (b) Prohibition on reduction of KC–135 aircraft in PMAI of the reserve components (1) In general None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Air Force may be obligated or expended to reduce the number of KC–135 aircraft designated as primary mission aircraft inventory within the reserve components of the Air Force. (2) Primary mission aircraft inventory defined In this subsection, the term primary mission aircraft inventory has the meaning given that term in section 9062(i)(2)(B) of title 10, United States Code.