Modification of inventory requirements for Air Force fighter aircraft

(a) In general Subsection (i) of section 9062 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (i) (1) The Secretary of the Air Force shall— (A) during the period beginning on October 1, 2026, and ending on October 1, 2035, maintain a total aircraft inventory of fighter aircraft of not less than 1,800 aircraft; and (B) 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. (C) The term total aircraft inventory of combat-coded fighter aircraft means the total inventory of combat-coded fighter aircraft the Air Force possesses, including in— (i) the primary mission aircraft inventory; (ii) the backup aircraft inventory; and (iii) the attrition reserve.. (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1, 2026.