US Air Force plans 1,509 fighter aircraft fleet by 2035

The U.S. Air Force has outlined a strategic blueprint to expand its combat-coded fighter fleet to 1,509 aircraft by 2035. According to a report submitted to Congress and discussed by Lt. Gen. David Tabor, the deputy chief of staff for plans and programs, this target represents a significant increase from previous estimates of 1,271 aircraft for 2026 and 1,369 for 2030.

Under this proposed force structure, the F-35 will become the largest single component of the fleet, increasing its share from approximately 30% today to 40% by 2035. The F-22 and its planned successor, the F-47, are expected to collectively account for 20% of the fleet. The remaining 40% will be divided roughly equally between F-15 and F-16 aircraft.

Achieving these targets depends on Congressional funding and the ability of defense contractors, such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing, to meet production demands. Additionally, the Air Force plans to integrate 500 Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)—unmanned, autonomous systems—by 2032, which could eventually influence future fighter requirements.