The U.S. Congress has once again blocked the Air Force’s plan to retire its F-22 Raptor fighter jets. Despite Air Force officials arguing that the Block 20 F-22s lack modern weapons systems and would require billions of dollars to upgrade, lawmakers insisted the jets remain in service. The Air Force had planned to redirect those funds to the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.

The newly unveiled $886 billion defense policy bill requires the Air Force to maintain a minimum of 1,112 fighter aircraft in its inventory. The bill also authorizes the retirement of A-10 Warthogs and the F-15C/D models, while imposing restrictions on the drawdown of the F-15E fleet.

In addition to fighter aircraft, the legislation addresses the development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)—drone wingmen programs. It directs the Air Force and Navy secretaries to provide Congress with updates on major milestones and cost estimates for these initiatives.

The bill also places constraints on the troubled KC-46 tanker program. With Israel awaiting delivery of four Boeing KC-46s, the legislation instructs the Pentagon to expedite those transfers. Furthermore, the policy mandates an updated roadmap for the Air Force’s next-generation aerial refueling system and requirements for the KC-135 recapitalization program.

Another provision ensures the continuation of Lockheed Martin’s HH-60W combat rescue helicopter production line, despite Air Force claims that the aircraft would be less effective in the Indo-Pacific theater against China.

The legislation is expected to pass both the Senate and the House of Representatives, with President Joe Biden anticipated to sign it into law by the end of the year.