According to Reuters news service, an independent review commissioned by the Air Force finds that the service’s plan to establish a multiyear procurement program for the last 60 F-22As will not be the big money saver USAF had expected. That news confirms the view of many lawmakers, who expressed skepticism over the plan. Reuters obtained Air Force correspondence to Congress that indicated the actual savings would be less than half the original estimate of $500 million. Influential lawmakers earlier this year questioned both the legality of and justification for the proposal, asking for a more complete analysis upon which to base their decisions.
The Air Force is requesting about $141 million for initial enlistment bonuses in its fiscal 2026 budget, while Space Force wants $13 million.
