SCAS wants to keep 33 F-22 Raptor fighters and will not allow the US Air Force to retire older Block 20 jets

The US Air Force will not be able to retire its old F-22 Raptor fifth-generation fighter jets. The Senate Committee on Armed Services (SCAS) has decided once again to reject the service's application.

Here's What We Know

SCAS is secretly considering the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The senators have published a 34-page summary of the bill, but the full text will be available later.

The summary states that the NDAA reduces the total number of fighter jets from 1,145 to 1,112. This is in line with the number of F-22 Raptors that the US Air Force wants to retire. On the other hand, the NDAA mentions that it refers to combat-ready aircraft. The 33 Raptor fighters, on the other hand, are used for training.

The SACS does not mention the F-22 Raptor in any context. This suggests that the provision in last year's bill that prohibits the decommissioning of F-22 fighters remains in force. We will probably find out the details when the full text is published.

The senators also intend to prohibit the US Air Force from decommissioning the RQ-4 Block 40 strategic drones. The SACS, on the other hand, has approved a request for ammunition and new aircraft. The senators also approve the decommissioning of 42 A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft.

Source: Air & Space Forces Magazine