The Cold War Air Force was bigger, deeper, and readier than today’s. Here’s why it’s time for a reset. For the first time since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States faces a true peer potential adversary in...
defense
A comprehensive look at the Air Force and the Space Force, including people, equipment, budget, weapons systems, and more. This Almanac was compiled by Amanda Miller, Aaron M.U. Church, and the staff of Air & Space Forces Magazine. We gratefully...
As futuristic aviation programs gain priority, the F-35—the only in-production, fifth-generation American fighter—is facing new headwinds. Fresh debate over its challenges and its potential in the coming months will shape its future role in the force. The House’s $150 billion...
DAF TOTAL FORCE END STRENGTH Fiscal 2024 end strength is as of Sept. 30, 2024, except where noted by a single *, which is an estimate provided in the fiscal 2025 Defense Department budget request. The White House had not...
Total aircraft inventory; aircraft inventory trends; ICBM and satellite inventory; and aircraft age. Aircraft Total Active Inventory (TAI) (As of Sept. 30, 2024) ACTIVE ANG AFRC TOTAL FORCE AVG. AGE BOMBER B-1B Lancer[i] 46 0 0 46 37.40 B-2A Spirit[i]...
DOD TOTAL FORCE END STRENGTH Fiscal 2024 end strength is as of Sept. 30, 2024, except where noted by a single *. Congress approved a full-year continuing resolution to fund the government for fiscal 2025 at the same levels as...
It’s time to return to disciplined budget preparation and careful strategic investment.
As futuristic aviation programs gain priority, the F-35—the only in-production, fifth-generation American fighter—is facing new headwinds. Fresh debate over its challenges and its potential in the coming months will shape its future role in the force.
The U.S. Air Force must grow its 5th-gen fleet—and soon. Today, there is one aircraft in production that can answer that call: the F-35. The Air Force, Secretary Pete Hegseth, President Trump, and Congress must boost F-35 acquisition as rapidly as possible, writes Doug Birkey, ...