Proposed HASC Approval to Prevent E-7 Retirements, Halts A-10 Retirement Plans
The House Armed Services Committee recently passed its draft of the 2026 defense policy bill, authorizing at least $211.3 billion for the Air Force and Space Force [2]. This forms part of a broader $848.2 billion authorization for the total military budget in the bill, which was advanced in mid-July 2025 [2].
One of the key details in the committee's proposal is the blocking of the retirement of the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack planes. The bill also supports the purchase of two E-7 Wedgetail airborne target-tracking jet prototypes, aiming to prevent their cancellation [2].
The bill further seeks to bolster funding for the Sentinel ground-based nuclear missile program, with an allocation of over $3 billion [2]. This commitment to readiness and modernization reflects the committee's response to evolving global threats.
In comparison, the Senate Armed Services Committee's version of the 2026 defense policy bill allows the Air Force and Space Force to spend approximately $221 billion, which is higher and includes substantial increases above the services’ request for aircraft procurement and research and development programs [1].
The House panel's proposal also includes multiple provisions meant to bolster the mobility and aerial refueling fleets. The air refueling aircraft floor is raised to 504 aircraft by 2027. An amendment pressuring the Air Force for a report on the next-generation F-47 program was offered by Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) [2].
In addition to these military-related provisions, the bill also includes eleven amendments for measures related to military aid to Ukraine, diversity hiring, and military installations commemorating Confederate heroes [2].
The legislation will now head to a vote by the full chambers before a group of lawmakers try to cobble the two bills into a final draft. The bill's passage and the subsequent negotiations will shape the future of the Air Force and Space Force in the coming years.
This article is sponsored by the Air & Space Forces Association.
[1] Senate Armed Services Committee releases 2026 National Defense Authorization Act mark [defensenews.com] [2] House Armed Services Committee advances 2026 defense policy bill [defensenews.com]
- The Pentagon is considering the revival of the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack planes, as the House Armed Services Committee's draft for the 2026 defense policy bill blocks their retirement.
- The bill also supports the acquisition of two E-7 Wedgetail airborne target-tracking jet prototypes to prevent their cancellation, indicating a focus on aviation technology.
- The Sentinel ground-based nuclear missile program is set to receive over $3 billion in funding, demonstrating a commitment to defense and space force readiness and modernization.
- The Senate Armed Services Committee's version of the same bill allocates a higher budget, approximately $221 billion, for the Air Force and Space Force, with significant increases in aircraft procurement and research and development programs.
- The House panel's proposal aims to augment the mobility and aerial refueling fleets, with a goal of 504 air refueling aircraft by 2027, and a push for a report on the next-generation F-47 program.
- Besides military provisions, the bill includes amendments for military aid to Ukraine, diversity hiring, and commemorations of Confederate heroes at military installations, highlighting the bill's diverse scope.
