Defense Bill: Retiring A-10s and F-15s, Boosting Military Pay, and Addressing 'Culture War' Issues

The compromise defense policy bill would allow the Air Force to retire older F-15 Eagle fighters and A-10 Warthogs, but would block the retirement of 32 older F-22A Raptors. Lawmakers are requesting more information on the Air Force's plans for incorporating collaborative combat aircraft and creating the Next Generation Air Dominance future fighter platform. The bill also requires the Air Force to maintain a minimum inventory of 1,112 fighters and present a long-term plan for its tactical fighter force. Additionally, the bill addresses the acquisition of fleets of collaborative combat aircraft and the update of the Air Force's tanker fleet.