The California Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing, based at Fresno, once again has picked up the air defense mission that it flew for years out of March ARB, Calif., reports the Press-Enterprise. The Montana ANG’s 120th FW has been flying its F-16s out of March, fulfilling Operation Noble Eagle sorties, while the 144th awaited additional and newer F-16s to fly out of both Fresno and March. Those aircraft came this summer. Per BRAC 2005, the 120th FW is switching from the F-16 to the F-15, and some of its airmen plan to switch from the 120th to the 144th to continue operations at March. Meanwhile, the 144th would also like to replace its F-16s with F-15s.
Air Force Eyes New-Build F-16s to Boost Fighter Force
Sept. 16, 2026
The Air Force will consider acquiring new F-16 Fighting Falcon jets to answer capacity shortfalls in its aging fighter fleet, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. These discussions are happening as the Air Force is building its proposed fiscal 2028 budget and the five-year spending plan that goes…
