Congress Proposes $7.2B Aviation Overhaul for Next-Gen Airpower

Congress Proposes $7.2B Aviation Overhaul: A New Era for Airpower

Lawmakers have unveiled a $7.2 billion aviation investment package that reshapes U.S. military priorities while sparking debate about strategic direction. This funding boost comes as part of a $150 billion defense reconciliation bill aimed at countering emerging global threats through advanced technologies like sixth-generation fighters and autonomous drones.

The proposal signals a shift toward next-generation capabilities while maintaining legacy systems Congress deems critical. With China accelerating its J-20 fighter production and Russia modernizing its air force, these investments aim to preserve America’s qualitative edge in contested airspace.

Funding Breakdown: Winners and Compromises

The F-15EX Eagle II emerges as the primary beneficiary with $3.15 billion allocated to expand its fleet beyond the Air Force’s requested 98 aircraft. This fourth-generation fighter’s large payload capacity and hypersonic weapon compatibility made it politically attractive despite being less stealthy than fifth-gen alternatives.

Next-generation programs receive substantial support: $400 million accelerates the Air Force’s NGAD development, while $500 million boosts the Navy’s F/A-XX program. Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) secure $678 million to advance autonomous drone wingmen designed to operate alongside crewed fighters.

“Neglecting the F-35 doesn’t make sense when we have production-ready stealth fighters with upgraded processors,” warns Mark Gunzinger of AFA’s Mitchell Institute.

Controversially, $488 million maintains aging fleets Congress refuses to retire – including 32 F-22s and 14 F-15Es. Analysts question whether these funds would be better spent on modernization versus sustaining platforms with limited upgrade potential.

The F-35 Paradox: Production Powerhouse Left Behind

Despite being the Pentagon’s most expensive weapons program, the F-35 receives zero additional funding in this package. Todd Harrison of AEI notes this omission reflects congressional frustration with the jet’s prolonged development cycle and sustainment costs exceeding $1.7 trillion over its lifespan.

The decision comes as Lockheed Martin nears completion of Tech Refresh 3 upgrades enabling critical capabilities like the F-35’s AN/APG-85 radar. With over 3,200 jets planned across services, some experts argue underfunding current production risks creating future capability gaps.

Boeing‘s strong showing – securing funds for F-15EX, EA-37B, and MQ-25 programs – highlights shifting congressional preferences. A former Air Force official suggests Boeing-aligned staffers may influence these decisions, though no direct evidence confirms this claim.

Strategic Implications and Global Context

This funding package prioritizes capacity over stealth in some areas, with C-130J transports receiving $440 million and KC-135/C-17 connectivity upgrades $200 million. These investments support distributed operations concepts critical for Pacific theater logistics.

Electronic warfare receives notable attention through $474 million for EA-37B Compass Call jets and $50 million for F-16 EW upgrades. These systems will be vital for degrading integrated air defenses in peer conflicts.

“China fields over 1,900 combat aircraft compared to the USAF’s shrinking 2,100-jet fleet,” notes a 2025 CSIS report, underscoring the need for qualitative advantages.

The $678 million CCA investment aligns with DoD’s Replicator initiative to field thousands of attritable drones. Successful implementation could create 5:1 cost imposition ratios against adversaries using expensive surface-to-air missiles.

Conclusion: Balancing Present Needs and Future Threats

This funding package reveals Congress’s attempt to address immediate capacity shortfalls while seeding next-gen capabilities. However, the F-35’s exclusion risks creating a mid-term capability valley as NGAD systems won’t deploy until the 2030s.

As autonomous systems mature, future budgets may shift toward human-machine teaming architectures. The challenge remains maintaining today’s readiness while investing in tomorrow’s technologies – a balance this package only partially achieves.

FAQ

Why wasn’t the F-35 included in funding increases?
Congressional frustration with sustainment costs and upgrade delays influenced this decision, despite the jet’s operational importance.

How many CCAs will this funding produce?
While exact numbers remain classified, the $678 million could support development of 100-200 initial units depending on final designs.

When will NGAD fighters enter service?
The Air Force’s NGAD and Navy’s F/A-XX are projected for initial operational capability around 2030, assuming continued funding.

Sources: Air & Space Forces Magazine, Defense News, Breaking Defense