Air Force is 'smallest,' 'least ready' in history, National Guard leaders warn Congress in fighter jet plea

Air National Guard leaders warned Congress that the U.S. Air Force is the oldest, smallest, and least ready in its history, requesting 72-100 new fighter jets (including F-35s and F-15EXs) to address readiness gaps. The plea comes amid heightened military operations like Operation Epic Fury in Iran and a proposed $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget for 2027.