Air Force wants to shed 149 aircraft in FY-27, stabilize F-35 and KC-46 programs

Air Force wants to shed 149 aircraft in FY-27, stabilize F-35 and KC-46 programs

The Air Force in fiscal year 2027 is again asking Congress to jettison multiple legacy aircraft, including all of its remaining U-2 Dragon Lady spy planes and close to half of its A-10 Warthogs. In total, the service would divest 149 jets deemed not combat-capable in a potential future fight. These are: 23 U-2s 20 KC-35 Stratotankers, replaced with newer KC-46 Pegasus air-refuelers. 16 C-130H Hercules airlifters, replaced with C-130J Super Her…