U.S. Air Force Outlines Fighter Fleet Requirements for 2035 Written 22 October 2026
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A vortex forms around the body of an F-35 in flight. | Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexander Cook; Wikipedia; Public Domain
Breaking Defense reports that the U.S. Air Force estimates it will need 1,509 combat-ready fighter jets by 2035 to maintain a “moderate risk” operational profile, according to a new report submitted to Congress. The figure represents a likely increase of dozens of aircraft over last year’s estimates, reflecting evolving operational requirements. The congressionally mandated August 2026 report also makes “a renewed case for changing how combat-ready fighters are counted,” drawing on lessons from the war against Iran.
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