H.R. 9780: BRRRRT Act of 2026

The bill would restrict the retirement or divestment of A-10 aircraft through 2033 unless the Secretary of the Air Force certifies that a fully capable replacement is available. In practice, this means the Air Force would have to keep the A-10 fleet available for a longer period unless another aircraft or system can fully take over its mission.

What it requires the Air Force to do

• Preserve and inventory A-10s: The Air Force would need to maintain records of the aircraft and keep track of their condition and availability.
• Maintain sustainment and training capacity: The service would need to preserve the ability to support, maintain, and train personnel on the A-10.
• Report to Congress: The bill includes reporting requirements on the status of the fleet and related planning.
• Create a preservation/history program: Some A-10s would be retained for historical preservation and commemoration purposes.
• Support a demonstration team: The bill would authorize or preserve an A-10 demonstration or exhibition capability.
• Experiment with autonomous alternatives: The Air Force would be directed to test or study autonomous systems that could eventually replace some A-10 functions.
• Provide a combat-legacy report: The bill would require a report on the A-10’s past and continuing role in combat operations.

Foreign transfer and contingency use

The bill also requires a briefing on whether surplus A-10s could be transferred to foreign partners or kept in a recoverable condition for future security cooperation or contingency use. That briefing would need to address:

• Whether such transfers are feasible
• Which allied countries might be candidates
• Training, maintenance, and basing needs
• Export-control and security concerns

Overall effect

Overall, the bill would slow or prevent the A-10’s retirement unless a replacement is confirmed, while also making sure the aircraft remain tracked, supported, and available for training, historical display, and possible future use with U.S. partners or in contingency situations.

Relevant Companies

None found