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

Air National Guard leaders warn Congress that the U.S. Air Force is the oldest, smallest, and least ready in its 78-year history, requesting 72–100 new fighter jets (including 48 F-35s and 24 F-15EXs) to address readiness gaps. They cite Operation Epic Fury in Iran as evidence of urgent resource needs, with Brig. Gen. Shannon Smith emphasizing that current procurement rates risk leaving squadrons with outdated aircraft.