Senator Says Air Force Fleet in “Death Spiral” – Calls for Massive Fighter & Bomber Expansion

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.

Air Force Research Lab Scientist Explains Collaborative Bombing

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.