That’s a Lot of Lockheed F-35 and Boeing F-47 Warplanes: U.S. Air Force Expects to Need at Least 1,509 Combat-ready Fighter Jets by 2035

Summary and Key Points: The Air Force told Congress on October 16 that it needs at least 1,509 combat-ready fighters by 2035 to hold a “moderate risk” posture, up from 1,369 in last year’s assessment. The fleet is estimated at about 1,168, leaving roughly 350 to buy as the F-15C retires and older F-16s and F-15Es age out. Lt. Gen. David Tabor said funding is the obstacle and that the service is…

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