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 not less than 1,369 aircraft by December 31, 2030. (2) In this subsection: (A) The term attrition reserve means aircraft procured and held specifically to replace anticipated aircraft losses resulting from peacetime accidents (mishaps) or wartime attrition. (B) The term backup aircraft inventory means aircraft authorized in addition to the primary mission aircraft inventory to allow for scheduled and unscheduled depot-level maintenance, modifications, inspections, and repair without reducing the combat-ready fleet. (C) The term combat-coded with respect to an aircraft means an aircraft that is— (i) assigned to a combat-designated operational squadron or unit for the performance of its wartime mission; (ii) formally categorized within the Department of the Air Force inventory management system as primary mission aircraft inventory, backup aircraft inventory, or attrition reserve; and (iii) resourced and maintained to provide immediate operational capacity and the necessary organic depth required to sustain combat mission effectiveness through modernization cycles, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, and combat attrition. (D) 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. (E) 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.. (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1, 2026.