by Olawale Abaire, Warrior Maven Fellow
Wicker is advocating for the cessation of retirements for critical assets like the F-22 and F-15E and proposes an aggressive procurement strategy that seeks to add no fewer than 340 fighters over the next five years
In an extensive discourse on U.S. military preparedness, Senator Roger Wicker, a prominent figure on the Senate Armed Services Committee, has articulated a bold vision for a significant escalation in military capabilities. His detailed proposals underscore what he perceives as a critical “generational investment” aimed at bolstering the Air Force’s arsenal with a substantial influx of new aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and drones.
Senator Wicker’s 52-page report, complemented by an opinion piece in the New York Times, marks a strategic intervention in the debate surrounding the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. His plan suggests a $55 billion increase to the Pentagon’s already hefty $850 billion budget request. This is not just a mere augmentation; it’s a clarion call for a pivotal uplift in U.S. aerial warfare capabilities, emphasizing the urgency to revitalize an aging fleet and enhance combat readiness.
The senator points out a concerning trend within the Air Force—a “death spiral” in the fighter fleet characterized by an aging inventory not replenished swiftly enough to meet persistent or escalating mission demands. This has precipitated a scenario where fewer aircraft are overburdened, leading to deteriorating maintenance outcomes—a cycle that jeopardizes operational effectiveness.
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In a bold countermove, Wicker is advocating for the cessation of retirements for critical assets like the F-22 and F-15E and proposes an aggressive procurement strategy that seeks to add no fewer than 340 fighters over the next five years. This includes ramping up production of the F-35s once existing issues are resolved, annually acquiring a substantial number of F-15EXs, and initiating a limited purchase of 120 Block 70 F-16s.
Interestingly, while the F-16 Block 70 may not match the cutting-edge capabilities of newer models, it remains a robust platform. Funded by international allies, this aircraft can still fulfill a variety of less demanding missions, thus providing a cost-effective solution to maintain fleet numbers without compromising on capability for certain roles.
Double B-21 Bomber Fleet
Beyond fighters, there is a chorus among congress members and defense analysts suggesting a doubling of the B-21 bomber fleet. Wicker supports this push, advocating for a rapid scale-up post-initial production to ensure the Air Force possesses a formidable long-range strike capability. This proposal, however, comes with its own set of challenges, not least the substantial financial outlay involved—the cost of an additional 100 B-21 bombers could approach $50 billion.
Further expanding the horizon of airpower, Wicker’s report also touches upon the future of warfare with autonomous systems. He endorses expanding the Air Force’s program for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs), which are envisioned to act as unmanned ‘wingmen’ to manned fighters, enhancing combat capabilities through networked operations.
Lastly, Wicker’s innovative proposals extend to adapting platforms and armaments for enhanced strategic flexibility, like adapting the Navy’s E-2D Hawkeye for land-based operations and considering the integration of nuclear air-launched cruise missiles on fighter jets instead of conventional gravity bombs. These suggestions highlight a forward-thinking approach to evolving threats and technological advancements.
Senator Wicker’s ambitious blueprint faces considerable hurdles, from fiscal constraints under the Fiscal Responsibility Act to potential opposition from various legislative quarters concerned about the spiraling costs. Yet, the overarching narrative of his proposals is clear—a robust, technologically superior Air Force that can maintain strategic dominance in an increasingly complex global security environment. The coming months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of these proposals within the legislative framework and their potential impact on the future of U.S. military capabilities.
