H.R. 1851: Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2025
This bill, known as the Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2025, aims to enhance and preserve the fighter aircraft capabilities within the U.S. Air Force and its reserve components through a series of amendments to the United States Code.
Key Provisions
1. Minimum Aircraft Requirements
The bill mandates that the Air Force must maintain a minimum number of fighter aircraft as follows:
- Set the minimum number of fighter aircraft at 1,900, an increase from the current 1,800.
- Extend the deadline to meet these requirements from October 1, 2026 to October 1, 2030.
Additionally, the Secretary of Defense may allow a temporary reduction in this aircraft inventory requirement for up to two years if it facilitates the transition to new fighter aircraft. However, this reduction cannot bring the total below 1,800 aircraft at any point.
2. Annual Reporting Requirements
The Secretary of the Air Force will be required to submit quarterly reports to Congress detailing:
- The number of new advanced fighter aircraft received and assigned to various Air Force components.
- Any retired or divested legacy fighter aircraft.
- Identification of units that are set for recapitalization.
- Trends and challenges regarding the receipt and assignment of new aircraft.
3. Recapitalization and Assignment of Fighter Aircraft
The bill dictates that for every four new advanced capability or fifth-generation fighter aircraft received, at least three must be delivered to existing service-retained Air Force squadrons. This one-for-one retirement of legacy fighter aircraft will also apply when new aircraft are assigned to squadrons.
4. Air National Guard Provisions
During the specified period of December 23, 2024 to October 1, 2030, the Secretary of the Air Force must:
- Maintain at least 25 fighter aircraft squadrons within the Air National Guard.
- Prohibit the retirement or funding reduction of any legacy or fifth-generation fighter aircraft assigned to these squadrons, unless deemed non-mission capable on a case-by-case basis.
5. Annual Recapitalization Plans for the Air National Guard
The Secretary of the Air Force, in consultation with the Air National Guard Director, will be required to develop an annual recapitalization plan, which will include:
- Identification of each squadron.
- A recapitalization timeline aligned with active military components.
- Budget assessments related to the recapitalization efforts.
6. Definitions
The bill includes specific definitions for various aircraft categories including:
- Advanced Capability Fighter Aircraft
- Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft
- Legacy Capability Fighter Aircraft
- Next-Generation Air Dominance Fighter Aircraft
Relevant Companies
- BA - Boeing: Boeing is a key manufacturer of military fighter aircraft, including advanced capabilities that could be influenced by increased orders from the Air Force.
- RTX - Raytheon Technologies: Raytheon produces components for various military aircraft and could see increased business if more advanced fighters are procured.
- LMT - Lockheed Martin: The company is known for its F-35 and F-22 fighter jets; increased procurement could significantly impact their financials.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
41 bill sponsors
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TrackDon Bacon
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TrackWesley Bell
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TrackJack Bergman
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TrackSalud O. Carbajal
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TrackAndré Carson
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TrackTroy A. Carter
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TrackJuan Ciscomani
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TrackJim Costa
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TrackAngie Craig
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TrackJason Crow
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TrackDonald G. Davis
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TrackSarah Elfreth
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TrackBrad Finstad
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TrackRuss Fulcher
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TrackAbraham Hamadeh
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TrackAndy Harris
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TrackKevin Hern
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TrackSteny H. Hoyer
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TrackJohn James
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TrackDusty Johnson
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TrackMarcy Kaptur
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TrackNancy Mace
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TrackBrian J. Mast
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TrackApril McClain Delaney
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TrackMark Messmer
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TrackKweisi Mfume
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TrackTim Moore
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TrackRichard E. Neal
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TrackRalph Norman
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TrackJohnny Olszewski
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TrackBrittany Pettersen
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TrackAugust Pfluger
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TrackMikie Sherrill
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TrackMichael K. Simpson
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TrackGreg Stanton
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TrackPete Stauber
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TrackMarlin A. Stutzman
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TrackWilliam R. Timmons IV
Co-Sponsor
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TrackLori Trahan
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TrackJoe Wilson
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TrackRudy Yakym III
Co-Sponsor
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Mar. 05, 2025 | Introduced in House |
| Mar. 05, 2025 | Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. |
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