The US Congress plans to allocate an additional $1 billion for the purchase and modernisation of 44 F-35 aircraft for the US Air Force in 2025.

In brief

The US Congress has decided to allocate an additional $1 billion to the US Air Force for the purchase and modernisation of its fleet of aircraft, including 44 F-35s for the 2025 fiscal year. This funding brings total air procurement to $20.8 billion, although this is less than the $22 billion requested for the previous year. The House Appropriations Committee also prohibited the retirement of the U-2 and F-15 C/D fleets.

Analysis of the budget increase

On June 13, the House Appropriations Committee approved a version of the National Defense Appropriations Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025, which includes a $1 billion increase for the US Air Force. This additional funding is for the purchase of new aircraft as well as upgrades to the existing fleet. Including this supplement, the total budget for air procurement reaches $20.8 billion, up from the original request of $19.8 billion for FY2025.

However, this budget remains below the $22 billion allocated for FY2024. This reduction is notable, as it reflects a strategic adjustment in the funding priorities of Congress and the Department of Defense. Crucially, the additional funding will allow the US Air Force to maintain its operational capability while modernising its equipment to meet future requirements.

F-35 purchase details

The representatives specifically allocated funds for the acquisition of 44 F-35 aircraft for fiscal year 2025. The F-35, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter, is a multirole fighter aircraft designed to perform a variety of missions, including air superiority, close air support and reconnaissance missions. This aircraft is essential to the US defence strategy because of its ability to avoid radar detection, its firepower and its advanced sensor systems.

The unit cost of an F-35 is around €80 million (around $88 million), which means that the acquisition of 44 units would represent an investment of almost €3.52 billion (around $3.87 billion). This acquisition not only enhances the US Air Force’s ability to conduct effective combat operations, but also helps maintain a technological edge over potential adversaries.

Implications of fleet modernisation

The modernisation of the air fleet, in particular with the integration of the new F-35, has significant implications for the operational capability of the US Air Force. These fifth-generation fighters feature advanced technologies that improve stealth, mobility and survivability. They also incorporate sophisticated communications and information processing systems, enabling greater coordination and efficiency during missions.

Updating the fleet is crucial to meeting emerging threats and ensuring air superiority. In the current context of heightened geopolitical tensions, the ability to project advanced air power is an essential deterrent. In addition, these technological improvements reduce long-term operational costs by increasing efficiency and reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

U-2 and F-15 C/D decommissioning ban

At the same time as increasing the budget for new purchases, the Appropriations Committee has banned the decommissioning of the U-2 and F-15 C/D fleets. The U-2, also known as the ‘Dragon Lady’, is a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft that plays a crucial role in surveillance and intelligence missions. Maintaining this fleet ensures that the US Air Force retains essential intelligence-gathering capabilities, especially in environments where satellites and drones may be ineffective or vulnerable.

The F-15 C/D, a twin-engine fighter, remains a key component of US air defence. Although older than the F-35, it still offers significant combat capabilities, thanks in particular to its performance in terms of speed, manoeuvrability and payload. The decision not to withdraw these aircraft from the active fleet underlines the importance of maintaining a diversity of air capabilities to meet a range of operational scenarios.

Economic and strategic consequences

The budget increase for the US Air Force has significant economic and strategic implications. On the one hand, investment in cutting-edge technologies stimulates the defence industry and the economy in general, creating jobs and fostering technological innovation. For example, the production of the F-35 mobilises several thousand jobs in the United States and involves a vast network of subcontractors and suppliers.

Modernising the air fleet also strengthens the United States’ strategic position on the international stage. By maintaining a technologically advanced air force, the United States can deter aggression and respond rapidly to global crises. It also assures America’s allies that they have the capabilities they need to support joint operations and collective defence commitments.

Future prospects

Congress’ decision to increase the US Air Force’s budget for aircraft procurement and modernisation is a strategic response to growing defence needs and emerging threats. By investing in cutting-edge technologies like the F-35 and maintaining proven capabilities like the U-2 and F-15 C/D, the US is ensuring it remains at the forefront of air superiority.

However, it will be crucial to monitor how these investments are managed and implemented to maximise their effectiveness and impact. As technologies evolve, the US Air Force will need to continue to adapt its strategies and equipment to meet future challenges and maintain its dominant position in global military aviation.

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