Lawmakers reject scrapping 32 fifth-generation F-22 Raptor fighters

The US Air Force is once again facing obstacles in its attempt to reduce its fleet of fifth-generation F-22 Raptor fighters. US lawmakers are barring the service from retiring the jets in fiscal year 2025.

The draft National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) allows the US Air Force to get rid of 65 F-15C/D Eagle fighters and 11 F-16 Fighting Falcon jets. Also on the list are 56 A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft.

However, lawmakers are opposed to the U.S. Air Force retiring 32 fifth-generation F-22 Raptor fighters in Block 20 configuration. Nor will the service be able to get rid of 26 F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft.

At this point, there is no main text of the bill outlining the rationale for the waiver. However, this spring, lawmakers were concerned about reducing the number of fighter jets, even though it would allow for investment in modernising the fleet.

Finally, we would add that the Senate wants cost estimates from the U.S. Air Force to modernise all 25 National Guard fighter squadrons. However, it is not yet clear which aircraft we are talking about. The F-35 Lightning II, F-15EX Eagle II and F-16 Fighting Falcon in Block 70 configuration were discussed at a recent hearing.