Bills · S 873
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 873Armed Forces and National Security
Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2025
INTRO MAR 5· LAST ACTION MAR 5
READING
10MIN
COSPONSORS
18BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it directly impacts the future strength and modernization of the U.S. Air Force's fighter fleet, which is crucial for national defense. If this bill becomes law, it sets a clear goal for maintaining a specific, higher number of advanced fighter jets, ensuring the U.S. can respond to threats and maintain air superiority. It also provides a structured way for the Air Force to upgrade its older aircraft without significantly undermining current readiness, by allowing temporary reductions during unit transitions.
Without this bill, the minimum number of fighter aircraft could be lower or expire sooner, potentially leading to a smaller, less modern fleet over time. The increased reporting requirements offer more transparency to Congress and the public about how the Air Force is managing its resources and modernizing its air combat capabilities. Voters should care because a robust and up-to-date fighter force is a cornerstone of national security, and this bill dictates the size and pace of that modernization.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Increases the minimum number of total fighter aircraft in the Air Force and its reserve components from 1,800 to 1,900, and primary mission aircraft from 1,145 to 1,200, extending this requirement to October 1, 2030.
This ensures a larger, sustained minimum size for the U.S. fighter jet fleet for an extended period.
PROVISION 02
Allows the Secretary of Defense to temporarily reduce the total fighter aircraft inventory (but not below 1,800) for up to two years to facilitate units transitioning to new fighter aircraft, with prior congressional notification.
This provides flexibility for modernization while setting boundaries to prevent significant or prolonged dips in fleet size.
PROVISION 03
Requires the Secretary of the Air Force to submit quarterly reports to Congress until September 30, 2030, detailing the status of the fighter aircraft inventory, including new aircraft received, old ones retired, and their distribution.
This increases transparency and congressional oversight over the Air Force's fighter fleet modernization efforts.
PROVISION 04
Mandates that for every four new advanced fighter aircraft accepted by the Air Force, at least three must be assigned to existing 'service-retained' Air Force squadrons, allowing for one-for-one retirement of older aircraft from those squadrons.
This prioritizes the modernization of existing active-duty squadrons while managing the retirement of older jets.
PROVISION 05
Requires the Air Force to maintain at least 25 Air National Guard fighter squadrons from December 23, 2024, until October 1, 2030.
This preserves a crucial component of the Air Force's overall fighter capability within the Air National Guard.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 18
R· Idaho
YRS IN OFFICE
33
BILLS LED
30
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 66%
DEM 12 REP 6 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 5
Introduced in Senate
MAR 5
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 873
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 5, 2025
Last actionMar 5, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 5, 2025
Senate BillS 873Armed Forces and National Security
Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2025
INTRODUCED MAR 5, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 5, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
10 min
COSPONSORS
18
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
