Air Force seeks 1,509 front-line fighters by 2035 with F-35, F-15EX purchases
The Air Force aims to field 1,509 combat-coded fighters by 2035, a mix of fourth-, fifth- and sixth-generation aircraft. Lt. Gen. David Tabor said the service currently has 1,298 such aircraft, suggesting it may buy more than 200 additional jets. The plan is intended to maintain a strong fighter inventory while accepting moderate risk.
The service’s planning target is 1,509 combat-coded fighters by 2035, spanning fourth-, fifth- and sixth-generation designs. Lt. Gen. David Tabor, deputy chief of staff for plans and programs, outlined the figure to a small Pentagon press group on Oct. 20, 2026.
With 1,298 such aircraft now in the combat-coded total inventory, the gap implies consideration of more than 200 additional jets. The stated aim is a sizable fighter force while tolerating a moderate degree of risk. The available excerpt does not specify model-by-model quantities or funding.
The fighter-buying plan could affect aerospace workers and suppliers if procurement expands, and may shape budget tradeoffs that touch taxpayers and other military programs. Military personnel and allied partners could see changes in training, maintenance, and force posture, though the excerpt does not detail costs or timelines. These are potential effects, not certain outcomes.