Language included in annual defense policy bill passed by Congress
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Mike Crapo, and Mark Kelly applauded the passage of language based on their Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act in the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
“Our Air National Guard fighter squadrons – like the Buckley-based 140th Wing – are responsible for 94 percent of homeland defense missions,” said Hickenlooper. “Forced reductions with no plan to replace their capabilities is dangerous. Our bipartisan bill puts these vital units on the path to full replacement and secures our national security.”
“Force reductions in squadrons–such as the Idaho Air National Guard’s 190th Fighter Squadron–reduce preparedness and jeopardize the strength of our fighting force,” said Crapo. “Inclusion of this language in the FY 2025 NDAA requiring the U.S. Air Force to submit a plan for sustainment and recapitalization of Air National Guard fighter squadrons ensures their preservation amid increasing national security threats at home and abroad.”
“The Air National Guard plays a critical support role, and this provision in the defense bill will allow us to strategically modernize our Air National Guard units alongside the Air Force so that we have the most effective reserve components possible,” said Kelly.
In July 2023, Hickenlooper and Crapo introduced the Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act, which preserves military readiness by preventing the closure of Air National Guard (ANG) fighter squadrons, like those at Buckley Space Force Base, at a time when pilot and maintenance manning are at critically low levels.
Since 1987, the U.S. Air Force fighter fleet has been reduced by 60 percent. The ANG represents 27 percent of the Air Force fighter force and is responsible for 94 percent of homeland defense missions. Currently, the Air Force is moving to divest many of the ANG legacy equipment, including A-10s, F-15Cs and older F-16s, without a plan to recapitalize them with advanced aircraft. Removing these craft without backfilling the force would put ANG squadrons at a loss during a time of heightened international conflict. The Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act will ensure the Air Force maintains 25 ANG fighter squadrons across 22 states, ready to protect Americans at home and abroad.
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