Jakarta, IDM – The United States Air Force (USAF) will retire hundreds of combat aircraft and purchase 48 F-35As and 24 F-15EX Eagle IIs in a proposed 2024 (FY24) defense budget worth US$ 185.1 billion.
Reported from Defense News, Friday (7/4), Lieutenant General Richard Moore, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for program planning, said that the majority of current USAF fighters, especially the fourth generation, are on average more than 30 years old. Meanwhile, the challenges of threats continue to evolve using modern technology.
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According to him, the (FY24) budget is the initial stage for the USAF to meet operational needs. In addition to modernization, the USAF also requires an additional fleet of at least 72 combat aircraft annually. However, realizing the long-term plan will encounter several obstacles.
“The defense industry also has limitations, including supply chain and workforce issues affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This will complicate efforts to realize 72 combat aircraft per year,” he explained.
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Nevertheless, Moore explained that the plan is a top priority. Thus, maximum efforts will be applied, including in conducting research, development, trials and evaluation (RDT&E).
“If we don’t do research and development now, while time is running out, when the time comes we need acquisitions, there will be nothing to buy because research and development has not been done,” he explained. (bp)
