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US Air Force says it needs 1,509 combat-coded fighters by 2035, with F-35s at 40% of the fleet

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The service’s plan calls for F-47s to replace F-22s and says steady funding and a healthy industrial base are needed to reach the target. Lt. Gen. David Tabor confirmed the Air Force is considering a new-build F-16, but said that decision is not urgent.

Discovered 2026-10-21T11:05:24.502598-07:00 | 2026-10-21T11:05:24.502598-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • The 1,509-fighter target sets a long-term force-structure benchmark, with F-35s expected to make up 40% of the fleet and F-47s replacing F-22s.
  • The Air Force says achieving the goal depends on steady funding and a healthy industrial base; a new-build F-16 remains under consideration but is not an urgent decision.

Reported By

insidedefense.com Aviation Week Breaking Defense Air Data News news.ssbcrack.com Military Times
Sources Tracked
9
First Seen
2026-10-21T11:05:24.502598-07:00
Latest Update
2026-10-21T18:34:22.554846-07:00
Coverage
Defense

Sources

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