The U.S. Air Force could face a shortfall in combat fighters, according to defense industry outlets citing a report to Congress on the service’s 10-year fleet requirements.

Newsweek has contacted the U.S. Air Force Public Affairs office for comment.

Why It Matters

The Air Force’s plan to expand its combat-coded fighter fleet could require additional funding from Congress. In March, the USAF Reserve Chief testified that funding shortfalls and aging aircraft are jeopardizing readiness , warning that limited resources could undermine the Reserve’s ability to respond quickly to crises at home and abroad. The Air Force's estimated fleet of nearly 5,000 aircraft is already the smallest in its 78-year history.

“Combat-coded” means aircraft assigned to squadrons that are fully equipped and

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