Preserving the 25 fighter missions currently in the Air National Guard force structure.

The Air National Guard has a unique dual mission, serving as the primary combat reserve for the Air Force and performing the vital mission of defending the homeland. Over the last 30 years, the Nation has relied on the Air National Guard to shift from a strategic reserve to an operational force meeting the high operational tempo of continuous redeployments abroad. Air National Guard fighter units represent 21% of the total Air Force, 30% of USAF combat power, and 94% of homeland defense. Despite the increased operational tempo ANG fighter units only take up 7% of the total Air Force’s budget.

The Air Force has not provided a reliable recapitalization plan to replace Air National Guard legacy aircraft, risking divestment of these wings and losing combat power of the total Air Force. Loss of critical fighter capacity significantly decreases the Nation’s ability to deter strategic attacks and aggression against the United States, Allies, and Partners. The total Air Force will lose highly skilled and experienced pilots and sustainment personnel with the permanent loss of Air National Guard fighter units, impacting our nation’s surge-to-war capabilities.

To maintain combat capacity and retention of highly experienced pilots and sustainment personnel, there must
accelerated recapitalization of all ANG Fighter units with new-build fighters.

FY25, language requiring recapitalization of Air National Guard units at a one-for-one rate as units divest legacy combat aircraft to ensure no gaps in mission.

Congress ensures that fighter platforms and missions within the Air National Guard are replaced fully with a follow on, relevant fighter platforms and missions.