Sixteen ex-senior military leaders implore Congress for financial support of E-7 aircraft and additional F-35s
In a joint statement, a group of retired Air Force Chiefs of Staff and four-star generals have called on Congress to triple the number of F-35A fighters the Air Force buys in fiscal 2026 and to reinstate funding for the E-7 Wedgetail battle management platform. The call for increased funding is based on strategic reasons that aim to enhance military capability, sustainability and readiness, address global security challenges, and maintain technological advantages.
The F-35A, a fifth-generation fighter jet, is renowned for its advanced stealth capabilities and multi-role combat functions. The generals argue that increasing its numbers would enhance the Air Force's ability to deter and prevail in future conflicts, ensuring a robust tactical fleet to address emerging threats.
The current reduction in F-35 purchases and proposed cuts in the defense budget are seen as undermining the Air Force's readiness and sustainment capabilities. Retired generals argue that maintaining a robust F-35 fleet is crucial for maintaining superior airpower in contested environments.
The global security environment is increasingly complex, with rising threats from adversaries like China and Russia. The F-35A and E-7 Wedgetail are critical components in addressing these challenges. The E-7 provides advanced airborne early warning and control capabilities, which are essential for modern air operations, allowing for better situational awareness and command and control.
The technological advantages offered by the F-35A and E-7 Wedgetail, including advanced sensors and communication systems, are also highlighted. Investing in these platforms ensures that the U.S. military maintains a technological edge in future conflicts.
The generals have expressed concern about the administration's decision to terminate the E-7 Wedgetail program, citing the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft's inability to meet combatant command requirements for theater-wide airborne command and control. They argue that the E-7 can perform missions different from traditional AWACS roles that will be critical to the China contingency.
The Air Force's official explanation for canceling the E-7 is that future space-based solutions will eventually be available. However, the generals argue that these steps are insufficient given the ongoing requirement to field 1,763 F-35As to fully equip the Air Force to meet the National Defense Strategy. They have written a letter to the Republican and Democratic leaders in the House and Senate, as well as the members of the House and Senate Armed Services committees and House and Senate Appropriations defense subcommittees, challenging the administration's plan to cancel the E-7 and to build just 24 F-35As.
The generals respectfully request additional resources be committed to deploy the E-7 at the earliest opportunity. They also emphasize progress made by F-35 maker Lockheed-Martin toward certifying its Tech Refresh 3 upgrade, which means the hardware and software upgrades are now available, enabling even greater improvements in the F-35.
The House Appropriations Committee and its defense subcommittee have already taken some action toward these ends, including including $4.5 billion for 42 F-35As and $500 million to continue development of the E-7 in their version of the fiscal 2026 Defense Appropriations bill. The generals hope that Congress will heed their call and prioritise these programs in the face of budgetary constraints, ensuring that the U.S. maintains its military superiority.
The list of retired generals who have signed the letter includes Gen. Joseph W. Ralston, Gen. Merrill A. McPeak, Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, Gen. Michael E. Ryan, Gen. John P. Jumper, Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Gen. John M. Loh, Gen. Ralph E. Eberhart, Gen. Lori J. Robinson, Gen. John D.W. Corley, Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, Gen. Kevin Chilton, Gen. Herbert J. "Hawk" Carlisle, Gen. Robin Rand, and Gen. Lance W. Lord.
- The generals have written a letter to Congress, requesting additional resources to deploy the E-7 Wedgetail at the earliest opportunity, as they believe it is crucial for maintaining superior airpower in contested environments.
- The generals argue that fielding 1,763 F-35As is essential for the Air Force to meet the National Defense Strategy’s requirements, and they challenge the administration's plan to cancel the E-7 and build only 24 F-35As.
- The development of the E-7 Wedgetail, with its advanced airborne early warning and control capabilities, is seen as a vital technology for modern air operations, ensuring better situational awareness and command and control.
