What does Preamble of Airpower Acceleration Act of 2026 do?

This bill authorizes the Secretary of Defense to enter into multiyear contracts for the procurement of F-35 and F-15EX aircraft. The bill's stated purpose is to authorize multiyear contracts for specific aircraft procurement.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Airpower Acceleration Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Airpower Acceleration Act of 2026.

What does MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR F-35 AND F-15EX AIRCRAFT. of Airpower Acceleration Act of 2026 do?

This section grants the Secretary of Defense the authority to enter into multiyear contracts for the procurement of F-35A, F-35B, F-35C, and F-15EX aircraft, subject to title 10, United States Code, section 3501. Contracts entered into under this section are deemed to meet the requirements of section 3501(a) of title 10, United States Code. The Secretary of Defense must submit a report to Congress within 90 days of the Act's enactment, detailing preliminary findings related to these contracts. The Secretary of Defense is also authorized to enter into contracts for advance procurement of key components of the specified aircraft in economic order quantities. Any certification submitted under section 3501(i)(3) must include a description of the specific components intended for procurement. Congress expresses the sense that implementing section 3501(d) is important for ensuring timely payments to subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers to strengthen the defense industrial base.

What does MODIFICATION OF INVENTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR AIR FORCE FIGHTER of Airpower Acceleration Act of 2026 do?

This section modifies section 9062 of title 10, United States Code, regarding inventory requirements for Air Force fighter aircraft. The Secretary of the Air Force must maintain a total fighter aircraft inventory of at least 1,800 aircraft between October 1, 2026, and October 1, 2035. The Air Force must maintain a combat-coded fighter aircraft inventory of at least 1,369 aircraft by December 31, 2030, and at least 1,558 aircraft by December 31, 2035. “Fighter aircraft” is defined as aircraft with a mission design series prefix of F- or A-, manned by one or two crewmembers, and executing specific missions. “Fighter aircraft” excludes collaborative combat aircraft. The terms 'primary mission aircraft inventory,' 'total aircraft inventory of combat-coded fighter aircraft,' 'backup aircraft inventory,' and 'attrition reserve' are defined within the subsection.

What does F-15EX AIRCRAFT FLEET. of Airpower Acceleration Act of 2026 do?

This section concerns the F-15EX aircraft fleet. The Secretary of the Air Force is authorized to increase the fleet size from 129 to 329 aircraft, subject to a condition. Any F-15EX aircraft procured beyond the initial 129 must be used to recapitalize the F-15E aircraft fleet.

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Airpower Acceleration Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/22/2026 · Introduced: 4/22/2026

Author: Ted Budd (R-NC)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill authorizes the Secretary of Defense to enter into multiyear contracts for the procurement of F-35 and F-15EX aircraft, including advance procurement of key components.
The Air Force must maintain a fighter aircraft inventory of at least 1,800 aircraft between 2026 and 2035, with specific combat-coded requirements by 2030 and 2035.
The bill allows the Secretary of the Air Force to increase the F-15EX aircraft fleet size to 329, with any additional aircraft used to modernize the existing F-15E fleet.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

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