Senators Introduce Bills for Multiyear F-35 and F-15EX Purchases

Sen. , said he expects the three bills he introduced with Sen. , to be added to the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. He told Breaking Defense in a May 14 interview that a standalone vote is not required if the provisions are included in the NDAA.

The Airpower Acceleration Act would authorize the Pentagon to buy F-35 and F-15EX fighters through multiyear contracts and to purchase components in larger quantities. The RETAIN Act would raise bonus and incentive pay for experienced pilots, while the Fighter Aircrew Career Flexibility Act would create an Air Force pilot program allowing up to one year of career intermission.

The legislation would require the Air Force to maintain at least 1,369 combat-coded fighters by 2030 and 1,558 fighters by 2035. It would also authorize procurement of 329 F-15EX aircraft, an increase from the service's current plan of 267. Air Force Lt.

Gen. Luke Cropsey told the Senate Armed Services airland subcommittee on May 12 that Boeing is working to reach a production rate of two F-15EX aircraft per month. He said the company has presented plans to increase output further to three or four aircraft monthly.

Pilot Retention Measures Rep.

August Pfluger, R-Texas, said in a May 15 interview that he plans to introduce companion legislation in the House. He stated the Air Force is short more than 2,000 pilots and that expanded bonuses and career intermission options would help retain experienced aviators.

Budd said multiyear contracts would give Boeing the stability needed to open a second F-15EX production line. He described the F-15EX as a non-stealth aircraft suited for day-two operations after initial strikes by stealth platforms.