The 
continued grounding of the majority of the F-15 fleet has caused defense officials to reconsider limiting the purchase of new F-22A Raptors to just 183. Jim Wolf of Reuters got an unnamed “senior Defense Department official” to confirm that “the grounding of F-15s is focusing attention on the issue at high levels.” Lockheed Martin said in September that it would need to see money in the 2009 budget if it is to keep the production line open beyond the 183 to be procured through 2011. Loren Thompson of the Lexington Institute told Wolf that “insiders” have indicated the money will be there.
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
