Proposed Approval by HASC Aims to Prevent E-7 Retirement, Halt A-10 Withdrawal
The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) proposals from the Senate and House offer significant budget details and program directives affecting the Air Force, Space Force, and specific aircraft programs.
Budget for Air Force and Space Force
The Senate's version authorizes a Defense Department budget of $878.7 billion, which exceeds the Pentagon's initial discretionary request of $848 billion. The House version follows more closely, authorizing $848.2 billion for the military, including at least $211.3 billion for the Air Force and Space Force. These allocations support modernization and force readiness initiatives.
A-10 Warthog Retirement
Both the House and Senate versions of the 2026 NDAA prevent the Air Force from continuing to retire the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft. The House version explicitly prohibits the fleet from shrinking below 162 planes at least until October 1, 2027, effectively extending the operational service life of this close air support aircraft.
F-47 Program
There is no mention of an "F-47" program in the 2026 NDAA documents or commentary. The U.S. Air Force currently operates an F-35 program and legacy fighter jets like the F-16 and F-15. No details are currently available regarding an F-47.
Other Highlights
- The inventory requirement of 271 C-130 aircraft needed for intra-theater airlift is maintained in the bill.
- The entirety of the Air Force's F-15EX procurement for FY26 is authorized by the reconciliation bill.
- Lawmakers backed multiple provisions meant to bolster the mobility and aerial refueling fleets.
- A provision stops the Pentagon from bringing on more than 183 KC-46 Pegasus tankers until the defense secretary confirms a corrective action plan is in place for all of the plane's major design issues.
- The bill boosts funding for the new Sentinel ground-based nuclear missiles to over $3 billion.
- No significant investments in new aircraft production are found in the bill.
- The bill looks to save the Air Force's plan to buy two E-7 Wedgetail airborne target-tracking jet prototypes from cancellation.
- The bill authorizes $848.2 billion for the military, including at least $211.3 billion for the Air Force and Space Force.
Modernization Efforts
The NDAA legislation highlights efforts to accelerate modernization, including enhanced AI integration, military construction, and cyber defense modernization. However, the most detailed takeaways on these specific points remain budgetary authorization levels.
For more granular details on Space Force budgets or potential new aircraft programs, official NDAA text and congressional reports should be monitored as the conference committee reconciles the House and Senate versions and prepares the final bill for presidential approval.
Rep. Mike Rogers stated that the bill's passage is important as global threats are rapidly evolving and becoming more complex. Rep. Trent Kelly, chair of the subcommittee overseeing mobility and bomber forces, supports the bill's focus on airborne force projection, including the B-21 and C-130J aircraft.
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- The budget for the Air Force and Space Force in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is significant, with the House authorizing $211.3 billion and the Senate proposing a slightly higher amount.
- Both the House and Senate versions of the 2026 NDAA prevent the retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft by the Air Force, with the House explicitly stating that the fleet should not shrink below 162 planes until October 1, 2027.
- The NDAA legislation emphasizes modernization efforts, including accelerating AI integration, military construction, and cyber defense modernization, with specific budgetary authorization levels provided.
- The 2026 NDAA does not mention an "F-47" program, and no details are currently available concerning such a program.
- The bill contains provisions to bolster the mobility and aerial refueling fleets, with a stop on purchasing more than 183 KC-46 Pegasus tankers until a corrective action plan is in place for all of the plane's major design issues.
- The bill includes funding for the new Sentinel ground-based nuclear missiles, military construction, enhanced cyber defense modernization, and the Air Force's plan to buy two E-7 Wedgetail airborne target-tracking jet prototypes, among other items related to the Air Force and Space Force.
