The service branch intends to divest 340 total aircraft.
The U.S. Air Force has proposed retiring 340 aircraft in its fiscal year 2026 budget, including its remaining 162 A-10 Warthogs to shift its fleet composition. The service branch has previously tried to divest itself of the Warthogs, known as “tank killers,” but Congress has kept them flying through visions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The plan also includes phasing out various other aging aircraft such as F-16s, F-15s, C-130Hs, and KC-135 tankers. The proposed divestments come as part of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s directive to reduce and reallocate defense spending by eight percent.
The plan would cancel the E-7 Wedgetail airborne battle management aircraft, due to rising costs and delays. The service would instead pursue space-based alternatives and add more E-2D Hawkeyes. Funding would increase as well for next-generation platforms such as the B-21 Raider stealth bomber and F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter.
Congress will decide whether to approve these retirements and budget shifts amid ongoing discussions regarding force readiness and future capability.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Troy Meink to be led by the Lord as he oversees the U.S. Air Force.
- For Secretary Hegseth to receive God’s wisdom as he heads the Defense Department.
- For members of Congress to be prudent in their allocations of funding for the military in the NDAA.
Sources: Military Times, National Security Journal, MSN
