A stark assessment from within the Pentagon reveals a critical deficit in the United States Air Force’s fighter jet capabilities. A recently declassified report indicates that the USAF currently lacks sufficient combat-ready aircraft to effectively engage in future conflicts. The report, titled ‘Long-Term USAF Fighter Force Structure,’ highlights a pressing need to expand the fleet by nearly 300 aircraft, bringing the total to 1,558. This shortage is being described as a significant ‘wake-up call,’ underscoring the vulnerability of the U.S. in potential multi-front scenarios. The current inventory of approximately 1,271 combat-coded fighters, including aging A-10s slated for retirement, falls considerably below the ‘low-risk’ threshold of 1,367 aircraft deemed essential for global readiness. Anything below this number places the U.S. in a ‘medium risk’ category, where mission success is less assured. The ambitious modernization program, aimed at replacing older airframes with advanced F-35A, F-15EX, and the forthcoming B-21 Raider, is encountering significant hurdles. Delays in F-35 software upgrades and production, coupled with the ongoing phase-out of legacy platforms like the F-15C/D, are complicating the transition. Maintaining older aircraft, such as the A-10 Warthog, is proving increasingly costly due to scarce parts and overburdened maintenance facilities. This operational strain is compounded by a shortage of trained pilots, exacerbated by training backlogs and retention issues. To bridge this capability gap, the Air Force is exploring the integration of autonomous systems through the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, envisioning drones acting as wingmen. While up to 1,000 such drones could eventually bolster the fleet, their ability to fully replace human pilots in critical missions remains uncertain. The report emphasizes that achieving the target of 1,558 combat-ready fighters requires sustained investment, industrial expansion, and technological advancements in both manned and unmanned aviation to maintain U.S. air superiority.
