A Wall Street Journal editorial provides a cogent analysis of the situation facing the nation—not just the Air Force—with the extended grounding of the F-15 Eagle fleet. In discussion of the potential increase in orders for F-22s, the WSJ’s bottom line: “We think it’s an investment worth making.” But isn’t it too expensive? No, says WSJ, noting that oft publicized dollar figures include R&D costs and declaring, “We have a long way to go before any weapons systems is more than the US can really afford.” There is no way to predict what adversaries of the future will field, but expensive and highly advanced systems are possible. WSJ concludes, “Replacing our faltering Eagles with additional Raptors may be expensive, but allowing our neglect to be exploited by those who wish us harm would be ruinous.” Well said.
2026 NDAA: 5 Highlights for Airmen and Guardians
Dec. 18, 2025
President Donald Trump signed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act on Dec. 18, a day after Congress passed the annual defense policy bill for the 65th consecutive year. Here’s what it means for the Air Force and Space Force.
