Wrong!
Don’t get me wrong. The A 10 has been a hell of an aircraft. But its design is over 60 years old. There comes a time.
Posted on 04/18/2026 5:05:28 AM PDT by daniel1212
Leaders of the Air National Guard argued that the Air Force's readiness was woefully inadequate...
"The United States Air Force is the oldest, the smallest, and the least ready in its 78-year history," the letter, which was obtained by Air and Space Forces Magazine, read.
To rectify the historic deficiency, military leaders are requesting between 72 and 100 new fighter jets across the Air Force's active duty, reserve and guard corps.
Specifically, the adjutants generals — the leader of the National Guard in their respective state — are requesting at least 48 new F-35s and 24 new F-15EXs.
The letter also states a desired goal of procuring 72 new F-35s and 36 new F-15EXs every year.
It was signed by all 22 adjutant generals..
"What we’re trying to do with this is send a strong message from the two-star generals that command the National Guards in these states," he told Air and Space Forces.
Smith pointed to Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.'s sprawling military campaign in Iran, as showcasing the need for more jets and resources.
"We are burning these jets and the Airmen over time to support the joint force to accomplish the president’s goals with Epic Fury in this conflict with Iran," he told the magazine.
The Air Force asked Congress to procure 48 F-35s in 2024 and 42 in 2025. For F-15EXs, they asked for 24 in 2024 and 18 in 2025..
"If we keep dabbling under 72, that isn’t winning, that is raising the water line," Smith told the outlet. "If we don’t procure at a higher rate, all of these fighter squadrons will remain with ’70s-era fighters. Most of the money will go to keep them flying. In a few years, they’ll be struggling to be flyable, let alone be relevant."
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
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Dude, do you think I’m stupid enough to suggest I want fighter jets to attack drones? {don’t answer that, LOL}
Well, I’m not. I’m looking at REAL countermeasures such as giant electric fence nets, frying the drones’ electronics with energy rays, lasers: Laser batteries with quick phased array radar run by AI, ultrasound rays, ultraviolet radiation... There are a host of methods we’ve just begun to consider.
It is time for the 21st Century. Manned aircraft is so 20th Century.
Please tell us what other ground support Aircraft we have available?
Flys relatively slow with loiter time?
Yeah, nothing.
Kills.
Apache.
They need better quality people as well.....no more wokies....no dei...
“Wanting planes is one thing, having trained pilots for them is another.”
There is still a waiting list to go to UPT in the AF.
That would be fun to play around with! LOL
Wrong!
Don’t get me wrong. The A 10 has been a hell of an aircraft. But its design is over 60 years old. There comes a time.
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