Pentagon leaders outline budget cuts stemming from the new defense strategy and planned reduction of $487 billion over the next 10 years; USAF cuts include eliminating six tactical air squadrons and one training squadron, retiring a number of aircraft (including 102 A-10s, 21 f-16s, all A model C-5s, and 65 of the oldest C-130s), divesting the 38 C-27J transport fleet, and reducing end strength in the Total Force (some 3,900 Active; 5,100 ANG; 900 AFRC over five years).
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
