Air Force Plans Massive Aircraft Retirement, Budget Cuts | JQJO

The Air Force's 2026 budget proposes retiring 340 aircraft, including all 162 A-10 Warthogs, 62 F-16s, and other models. The E-7 Wedgetail program is cancelled due to delays and cost overruns. The budget also includes increased funding for the B-21 Raider and F-15EX, while F-35 procurement is significantly reduced. Total Air Force funding could reach $249.5 billion with the passage of a reconciliation bill, representing a 17.2% increase; otherwise, funding will be nearly flat.