{"id":154938,"date":"2026-08-21T04:35:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T23:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=154938"},"modified":"2026-08-21T02:10:30","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T20:40:30","slug":"afa-calls-for-space-force-funding-and-60-f-35s-annually","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/21\/afa-calls-for-space-force-funding-and-60-f-35s-annually\/","title":{"rendered":"Air Force Association Calls for Over 60 Most Advanced Fighter Jet in the World Each Year"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014<\/strong> The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) has called on Congress to fully support the U.S. Space Force\u2019s proposed $71.1 billion fiscal 2027 budget while urging lawmakers to increase procurement of F-35A<\/a> fighter aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The association also wants Congress to complete reforms to the military\u2019s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The appeal comes as lawmakers face uncertainty over the fiscal 2027 defense budget, with a continuing resolution increasingly likely to carry spending into the new fiscal year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Department of the Air Force<\/a> has requested $338.8 billion for fiscal 2027, including $267.7 billion for the Air Force and $71.1 billion for the Space Force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
Photo: Julian Herzog | Wikimedia Commons
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Space Force Funding Priorities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

AFA President and CEO retired Lt. Gen. Burt Field and Board Chair Kathleen Ferguson urged congressional leaders to protect the funding priorities included in the administration\u2019s overall defense request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They warned that delays or fragmented funding could slow the delivery of critical capabilities to the Space Force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proposed $71.1 billion Space Force budget would represent a 124% increase from fiscal 2026. It includes major investments in missile warning and tracking, satellite systems, launch services, research and development, procurement and new operational infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About $19 billion of the proposal is allocated to procurement, more than five times the Space Force\u2019s fiscal 2026 procurement request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The increase is designed to accelerate production and deployment of systems needed to strengthen U.S. capabilities in an increasingly contested space environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AFA said Congress should provide the full $71.1 billion regardless of whether lawmakers ultimately deliver the funding through regular appropriations, reconciliation or a combination of both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II; Photo- Wikipedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

F-35 Procurement Funding Increase<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The association also wants lawmakers to increase purchases of the F-35A beyond the 38 aircraft included in the administration\u2019s fiscal 2027 request. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proposed number is higher than the 24 F-35As requested for fiscal 2026, but AFA argues that production should reach at least 60 aircraft annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pentagon\u2019s broader fiscal 2027 plan requests funding for 85 F-35s across the U.S. military, including 38 F-35As for the Air Force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AFA also supports giving the Pentagon multiyear procurement authority for the fighter, which could provide greater purchasing stability and support more efficient production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The organization\u2019s position reflects broader concerns about the size and readiness of the U.S. fighter fleet. Increasing F-35 procurement would support fleet modernization while adding fifth-generation combat capability to the Air Force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Photo : \tJapan Air Self-Defense Force | Wikimedia Commons | <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

F-35 Procurement Funding Increase<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

AFA also highlighted quality-of-life concerns affecting Airmen, Guardians and their families, with particular attention on BAH. The allowance helps service members cover housing costs based on factors including duty location, rank and family circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The association wants the Department of Defense to complete ongoing BAH reforms and Congress to act on the findings. AFA argues that the allowance should more accurately reflect actual housing costs in local markets, Air and Space Forces<\/a> reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The funding debate will intensify when Congress returns from its August recess. With the fiscal year scheduled to begin October 1, lawmakers face pressure to resolve differences over spending while protecting the defense priorities included in the fiscal 2027 request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Chinese Missile AI Reaches 97.1% Accuracy Against Simulated F-22, F-35 Targets<\/a><\/blockquote>