The U.S. military is doubling down on its premier stealth fighter, the F-35.
Recent budget plans reveal that both the Air Force and the Navy intend to significantly increase their purchases of the F-35 over the next five years. The Air Force, for instance, plans to ramp up its annual orders from 38 jets in fiscal year 2027 to 48 by 2030. This decision sends a clear message: despite debates about the future of aerial warfare, the Pentagon is securing proven, fifth-generation combat power now while planning for the future.
This move directly addresses the growing narrative, championed by figures like Elon Musk, that crewed fighter jets are becoming obsolete in an age of advanced drones. The Pentagon’s strategy, however, isn’t a choice between jets and drones; it’s about integrating them. The F-35 is envisioned as the 'quarterback' of a future air wing, a central command-and-control hub that operates alongside autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs). Therefore, buying more F-35s is not a step backward but a foundational move consistent with this manned-unmanned teaming doctrine.
Of course, the F-35 program is not without its challenges. The rollout of the crucial TR-3 software and hardware upgrade has faced delays, and reports have consistently highlighted that the fleet's mission-capable rates are below target. However, the Department of Defense is tackling these issues head-on. The latest budget proposals include a substantial $12 billion investment through 2031 aimed at improving readiness, primarily by boosting the supply of spare parts. This two-track approach—increasing production while simultaneously fixing sustainment—makes the plan more credible and shows a commitment to the long-term health of the fleet.
Underpinning this decision are several stabilizing factors. First, production has become more reliable, with a record 191 jets delivered in 2025 after earlier backlogs were cleared. Second, strong international demand from allies like Germany, Romania, and the Czech Republic helps maintain economies of scale, keeping costs in check and strengthening the global F-35 coalition. Combined, these factors create a compelling case for the U.S. to lock in a larger fleet, ensuring its air dominance for decades to come.
- Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA): Autonomous or semi-autonomous drones designed to fly alongside and support manned fighter jets.
- TR-3 (Technology Refresh 3): A significant hardware and software upgrade for the F-35, providing more computing power needed for future capabilities.
- Fiscal Year (FY): A one-year period that companies and governments use for financial reporting. In the U.S. government, the fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30.