The National Guard’s budgetary wish list includes restoring a dozen fighter jets cut by the Air Force in its original fiscal 2025 request, buying all planned F-15EXs, and additional F-15EXs and F-35A Joint Strike Fighters for around $2.7 billion.
The Air Force’s proposed budget includes purchasing 42 F-35As and 18 F-15EXs, a reduction from original plans due to budget constraints set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act Congress passed last year.
The National Guard’s unfunded priorities request also includes additional funds for F-35 upgrades, conformal fuel tanks for F-15EXs, 16 more C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, pilot flight hours, and personnel recruitment and support.
The Guard’s request seeks to complete squadrons flying the F-15EX and F-35, increase capacity in the Indo-Pacific region, and improve training capabilities for pilots.
