H.R. 4027 — Frontline Fighter Force First Act

This section states congressional findings on the need to maintain a highly mission-capable U.S. Air Force fighter fleet across generations, including prioritizing recapitalization of aging Block 220 F-15E aircraft—with a 55% mission capable rate—with F-15EX models at active-duty bases such as Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. The findings highlight the combat record of F-15E Strike Eagles (i.e., undefeated 104-0 in air-to-air missions; capable of carrying up to 12 missiles), contributions of the 335th Fighter Squadron (e.g., Operation Iraqi Freedom; intercepting over two dozen one-way attack drones from Iran on April 13, 2024), and the squadron's frequent deployments (at least 50% of the time).

This section directs the Secretary of the Air Force to ensure continued production and procurement of at least one model of advanced capability fighter aircraft—defined to include Block 70/72 or later F-16 variants, F-15EX, F-35, F-47, future variants, or others identified by the Secretary—until certifying to the congressional defense committees that all legacy capability fighter aircraft in each covered Air Combat Command Fighter Wing have been sequentially replaced with advanced capability, fifth-generation, or next-generation air dominance fighter aircraft, starting with squadrons deploying at least 30% of the time. To fulfill this requirement, the Secretary must enter into a new contract or modify an existing one for such procurement. This section further directs the Comptroller General to review challenges to procuring advanced capability fighter aircraft and provide recommendations, including a briefing to the congressional defense committees within one year of enactment and a final report within 30 days thereafter. Not later than 180 days after the Comptroller General's final report, and annually thereafter, the Secretary must report to the committees on progress implementing those recommendations and replacing legacy aircraft. (As background, Air Combat Command Fighter Wings comprise the Air Force's active duty frontline fighter units, and legacy capability aircraft generally refer to older F-15 and F-16 variants lacking modern capabilities.)