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Air Force Seeks $1.5 Trillion Budget for Fighter Jets

4/17/2026

42 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Air National Guard leaders say the Air Force is the least prepared in history and seek funding for 72–100 fighter jets, including 48 F-35s and 24 F-15EXs.
Brig. Gen. Shannon Smith cites the Iran campaign as the reason for increased demand.
U.S. President Donald Trump proposes a fiscal year 2027 Pentagon budget of $1.5 trillion, about $700 billion more than 2026.

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Story summary

Air National Guard leaders say the Air Force is the least prepared in history and seek funding for 72–100 fighter jets, including 48 F-35s and 24 F-15EXs.
Brig. Gen. Shannon Smith cites the Iran campaign as the reason for increased demand.
U.S. President Donald Trump proposes a fiscal year 2027 Pentagon budget of $1.5 trillion, about $700 billion more than 2026.