US Air Force in Worst State in History, Appeals to Congress for Support

US Air Force leaders informed Congress that the service is in its oldest, smallest, and least mission-ready state in its 78-year history, appealing for funding needed to purchase new fighter jets. A letter obtained by Air and Space Forces Magazine, signed by all 22 adjutants general who lead the National Guard in each state, requested additional funds to correct what they described as historic deficiencies in the service's leadership.

The leaders requested the acquisition of a total of 72 to 100 new fighter jets for the Air Force's active duty, reserve, and Air National Guard components, specifically demanding the procurement of at least 48 F-35s and 24 F-15EXs.

The US Air Force had requested 48 F-35s in 2024 and 42 F-35s in 2025 from Congress, and applied for 24 F-15EXs in 2024 and 18 F-15EXs in 2025. These figures represent an increase from the 48 F-35s and 24 F-15EXs requested in the 2024 federal budget. A long-term goal has been set to procure 72 F-35s and 36 F-15EXs annually. These large-scale fighter acquisition demands are also linked to the Department of Defense's budget requests.