Kelly, Crapo Applaud Fighter Force Recapitalization Inclusion in FY 2025 NDAA

Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) applauded the inclusion of language based on the Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act in the Senate version of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) announced the Committee voted 22-3 to advance the FY 2025 NDAA.   

Kelly secured the language in SASC’s FY 2025 NDAA. Crapo and Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado) introduced the Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act in July 2023.  

The language requires the Secretary of the Air Force, in consultation with the Director of the Air National Guard (ANG), to develop and implement a plan to sustain and recapitalize the 25 fighter squadrons of the ANG. This language is mirrored after the Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act, which prevents the closure of ANG fighter squadrons at a time when pilot and maintenance manning are at critically low levels.   

“As we modernize our Air Force to meet the growing threats we face, we also need to modernize our Air National Guard. This will give us the roadmap we need to support the Air National Guard’s continued role in providing tactical airlift, air refueling, natural disaster, and other reserve and support capabilities in Arizona and across the country,” said Kelly.   

“Inclusion of this language protects squadrons–such as the Idaho Air National Guard’s 190th Fighter Squadron–from force reductions,” said Crapo.  “Preserving our National Guard fighter squadrons means our nation will continue to be well-prepared amid increasing national security threats.” 

“The National Guard is the first choice, proven choice, and enduring choice for both the war fight and homeland defense,” said Maj Gen Kerry Muehlenbeck, Arizona National Guard Adjutant General. “Concurrent and proportionate investment in and modernization of our ANG fighter force is critical to the preservation of national security.” 

Since 1987, the 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. Unfortunately, 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. 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. On average, the pilots and maintainers in the ANG are twice as experienced as their active duty counterparts. 

The Senate may consider its version of the FY 2025 NDAA as soon as this month.