Minimum inventory of P–8A Poseidon aircraft

(a) In general The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that the total number of P–8A Poseidon aircraft in the inventory of the Navy is not less than 136 aircraft. (b) Authority to increase planned procurement Beginning on October 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Navy may increase the total planned procurement of P–8A Poseidon aircraft to beyond 136 aircraft. (c) Limitation None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to retire, divest, transfer to a nonoperational status, place in storage, prepare for retirement, or otherwise reduce the total active inventory of P–8A Poseidon aircraft below the number specified in subsection (a). (d) Waiver The Secretary of Defense may waive the limitation under subsection (c) if the Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that— (1) the reduction is required due to the loss of an aircraft through combat, accident, or other unforeseen circumstance; and (2) the reduction will not materially degrade the ability of the Navy to conduct maritime patrol, antisubmarine warfare, antisurface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and fleet support missions.