Air Guard Demands Minimum 72 New Fighters Annually to Avoid 'Dire Consequences'

Air National Guard leaders warn Congress that the service's aging fighter fleet is at risk of becoming unfit for combat.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:40pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting of an F-35 fighter jet in mid-flight, with overlapping geometric shapes and brushstrokes in shades of blue, grey, and yellow, conveying a sense of speed and power.The Air National Guard's push for a major increase in fighter jet procurement underscores the service's aging fleet and the growing threat posed by China's rapidly expanding air power.Madison Today

The Air National Guard is pushing Congress to approve multiyear funding for at least 72 to 100 new fighters annually, citing the service's aging inventory and the growing threat posed by China's rapidly expanding and modernizing air force. Air Guard leaders warn that without a significant boost in fighter procurement, most of the budget will go towards keeping the current fleet flying, leaving little room for modernization.

Why it matters

The Air National Guard's fighter fleet constitutes close to half of the Air Force's combat-coded F-16s, and with no clear plan in place to replace the remaining 13 Viper squadrons, the service faces a critical capability gap. Failure to address this issue could have serious implications for the U.S. military's ability to maintain air superiority, especially in the face of China's rapid military expansion.

The details

In a letter to Congress, Air National Guard adjutants general from more than 20 states have requested multiyear funding for the acquisition of between 72 and 100 new fighters each year. This would represent a significant increase compared to recent years, with the Air Force only requesting funding for 48 F-35As in Fiscal Year 2024 and 42 in 2025. The Guard is specifically calling for a minimum of 48 F-35As and 24 F-15EXs annually, with a preferred goal of 72 F-35As and 36 F-15EXs.

  • The Air National Guard letter was sent to Congress last week.
  • The Air Force has not purchased more than 72 new fighters in a single year since 1998.

The players

Brig. Gen. Shannon Smith

Head of the Idaho Air National Guard, who signed the letter to Congress.

Frank Kendall

Former Secretary of the Air Force, who in 2023 said the service was working around a future force planning construct that included 200 of the sixth-gen F-47 combat jets.

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What they’re saying

“The United States Air Force is the oldest, the smallest, and the least ready in its 78-year history. We must build a fighting force that will win.”

— Air National Guard Adjutants General

“We are burning these jets and the airmen over time to support the joint force to accomplish the president's goals with Epic Fury in this conflict with Iran.”

— Brig. Gen. Shannon Smith, Head of the Idaho Air National Guard

What’s next

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The takeaway

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