USAF Plans for 1,509 Fighters in 2035: How the US Air Force plans to grow its manned fighter fleet to more than 1,500 jets from nearly 1,300 today and change its force mix by buying more stealth aircraft like the F-47 and F-35, but also new versions of iconic jets like the F-15EX Eagle II and F-16 Fighting Falcon. But where do unmanned aircraft like the service’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft stand in the mix? Steve Losey from Air & Space Forces Magazine and Heathery Penney of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies join us to explain the new plan and what it will take to realize it. Plus the week’s headlines in airpower. And it’s all powered by GE Aerospace!
A U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II and F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, fly in formation after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron over the Pacific Ocean, June 29, 2026. The aircraft flew to Kadena Air Base for integration and familiarization training with local units and joint partners, supporting preparations for the permanent arrival of F-15EX aircraft at Kadena. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo)
