Le Bourget, France —The Air Force is conducting a “should cost” analysis of the F-22 improvement program, said USAF acquisition executive David Van Buren here Tuesday at the Paris Air Show. Van Buren acknowledged that outyears funding for F-22 enhancements has declined from about $7 billion to less than $4 billion. He said much of that has to do with the fact that “some content has shifted out.” Among that content were data links. However, the F-22 is still “robustly funded” and the deleted items “may come back later,” he said. The F-22 is one of several high-priority programs for which Air Force officials are performing the “should cost” analysis, he said. Van Buren expects to get some answers on an upcoming trip to Marietta, Ga., where Lockheed Martin assembles the F-22.
Air Force Academy Leaders Ousted in Shake Up
Feb. 6, 2026
The U.S. Air Force Academy is getting a leadership refresh after a tumultuous year, with Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind and Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks both set to retire this year and Col. James Valpiani set to come on as the new Dean of the Faculty.

