Kelly, Crapo, Hickenlooper Applaud Language in Defense Bill to Preserve Air National Guard Fighter Missions
Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) are applauding the inclusion of provisions based on theirFighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Actin the annual defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This will require 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.
Kelly secured the provision in the Senate Armed Services Committee consideration of the NDAA, and the final passed the U.S. Senate by an 85-14 vote last week. Crapo and Hickenlooper introduced the Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act in July 2023.
“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.
“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.”
“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.”
“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. We are grateful for the leadership and support of Senator Kelly and his colleagues including Senators Crapo and Hikenlooper for this critical requirement in the NDAA.”
“Preserving and modernizing our Air National Guard fighter squadrons is a National Defense Strategy imperative. The 2025 NDAA’s inclusion of Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization language is a meaningful next step to ensuring units like Idaho’s 190th Fighter Squadron remain ready, relevant, and fully equipped to defend our nation in an era of complex and immediate threats,” said Maj Gen Tim Donnellan, the Adjutant General of Idaho and the commander of the Idaho National Guard. “Idaho has a proud legacy of excellence in air combat operations, and this effort reinforces our commitment to staying at the forefront of national defense. By sustaining and recapitalizing our fighter fleet, we’re not just maintaining capability–we’re ensuring that the Air National Guard remains a vital, experienced and an indispensable part of the Total Force for years to come.”
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.
