A draft of the House Armed Services Committee’s fiscal 2020 defense policy bill will only authorize the Air Force to buy two of its requested eight F-15EX fighter aircraft unless the service meets several specific demands, Defense News reported Tuesday.
The committee’s NDAA draft states that fiscal 2020 funding for the remaining six fighters would be based on the Air Force submitting further specific details on the service’s development, acquisition and fielding plans for the fourth-generation F-15 aircraft, according to Air Force Magazine.
The Air Force originally requested $1.1 billion for eight F-15EX aircraft and initial startup costs in its fiscal 2020 budget.
Details about the version of the F-15 the Air Force would purchase have not been determined, and House appropriators are seeking more details before committing to the full purchase.
Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class JaNae Capuno
Post-Leadership, McConnell Plans to Push for More Defense Funding
When Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell steps down from his Senate leadership role after the November elections, he’ll have at least two more years in the Senate. Now he’s signaled one of his priorities as a rank-and-file Senator is to increase defense funding,...
