The U.S. Air Force is set to buy 51 F-35A fighter jets in fiscal 2024, three more than originally requested, with over $5.2 billion allocated for procurement, including funds for 16 F-35Bs and 19 F-35Cs for the Marine Corps and Navy. Congress also approved additional purchases for F-15EX Eagle II fighters, Grey Wolf patrol helicopters, KC-46A Pegasus refueling tankers, C-130J airlifters, and HH-60W combat search and rescue helicopters.
The boost in Pentagon spending for aviation procurement in FY24 includes over $40 billion, with $3 billion above the initial request, to support the purchase of sophisticated military aircraft such as the F-35 fighters. Collaborative combat aircraft initiatives and development of the F-35’s successor, the Next Generation Air Dominance program, are also receiving funding.
The FY24 defense budget is still being finalized by lawmakers, who are working to prevent a government shutdown. Stephen Losey and Rachel Cohen, reporters for Air Force Times, provide in-depth coverage of military aviation and procurement programs to keep the public informed.
