Inventory requirements for certain fighter aircraft

(a) Modification of inventory requirements for Air Force fighter aircraft (1) In general Subsection (i) of section 9062 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (i) (1) (1)(A) During the period beginning on October 1, 2026, and ending on October 1, 2035, the Secretary of the Air Force shall maintain a total aircraft inventory of fighter aircraft of not less than 1,800 aircraft. (B) The Secretary of the Air Force shall maintain a total aircraft inventory of combat-coded fighter aircraft of— (i) not less than 1,369 aircraft by December 31, 2030; and (ii) not less than 1,558 aircraft by December 31, 2035. (2) In this subsection: (A) The term fighter aircraft — (i) means an aircraft that— (I) is designated by a mission design series prefix of F– or A–; (II) is manned by one or two crewmembers; and (III) 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; and (ii) does not include collaborative combat aircraft. (B) The term primary mission aircraft inventory means aircraft assigned to meet the primary aircraft authorization to a unit for the performance of its wartime mission.. (2) Effective date The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on October 1, 2026. (b) Authority to increase planned procurement Beginning on October 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force may increase the total planned procurement of F–15EX aircraft to beyond 267 aircraft.