As part of its budget for fiscal year 2027, the Department of War requested the purchase of only 38 new F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters for the U.S. Air Force (USAF), a number that falls within a total request for 85 additional aircraft for the different services and that has been criticized by local analysts as insufficient to meet strategic requirements. This development was reported by specialized media outlets and confirmed by officials from the institution, including representatives of the Office of Management and Budget, highlighting Washington’s difficulties in strengthening its air combat capabilities even amid what was announced as a record defense investment.
Expanding on the details, it is worth stressing that, if this number of requested aircraft is confirmed, the U.S. Air Force would be receiving 14 more F-35A fighters than those included in last year’s budget. Nevertheless, this figure still remains below the number originally requested to fulfill the corresponding modernization plans, which has already been the subject of criticism in Washington due to the lack of investment in the program, which constitutes a key capability to guarantee the replacement of more outdated systems in USAF service.
As an illustrative example of this, it is useful to refer to the replacement process taking place at Misawa Air Base in Japan, from where the U.S. Air Force maintains one of its main aircraft deployment points in the event of a conflict in the Indo-Pacific. As we reported on March 30, the service is already beginning the withdrawal of its F-16CM Wild Weasel fighters deployed at that location, in what is expected to be the replacement of the existing 36 aircraft with a fleet of 48 F-35A stealth fighters.
Moreover, given the recent performance of the A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft in the Middle East, it is worth recalling that the incorporation of the F-35 is of particular relevance in what is shaping up to be the platform’s imminent retirement. As we noted toward the end of January, the U.S. Air Force has already completed the deactivation of a key test unit for the A-10C’s technological development, namely Detachment 1 of the 40th Flight Test Squadron. The F-35A stands as its direct successor.
On the other hand, and pointing to one of the main reasons that appears to explain this limited number of F-35As to be acquired compared to those requested, the available official documentation suggests that the Department of War would be prioritizing the allocation of funds to other major programs for the future. In particular, a fact sheet prepared by the White House indicates that special emphasis will be placed on the development and future production of the new sixth-generation F-47 fighters, which in turn aligns with the department’s recent efforts to boost production of its B-21 Raider bombers, which will replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit.
Finally, it should be considered that current defense budgets, although set to increase, appear to place special emphasis on the production of new naval assets to equip the U.S. Navy in the future. In this regard, it has been indicated that during 2027 the allocation of around 65.8 billion dollars is planned in order to acquire some 18 new combat ships, as well as 16 new support vessels. In the view of local analysts, the existence of a strong reinforcement in this area and its rapid public announcement constitutes a communication strategy, though not necessarily a sign of neglect toward the USAF.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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