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Sen. Budd Hopeful Airpower Bills Added to NDAA

May 14, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Sen. Ted Budd hopeful airpower bills will be added to NDAA.
Bills would authorize multiyear procurement for F-35 and F-15EX.
Legislation aims to boost US fighter inventory and improve pilot retention.

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Strategic Implications

The proposed legislation may drive down the cost per aircraft and provide stability to the defense industry, which could benefit Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The authorization of multiyear contracts suggests a long-term commitment to the F-35 and F-15EX programs, which may incentivize industry investment and increase production rates.

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What Happened

Multiyear F-35, F-15EX Buys Could Boost Fighter Inventory

Sen. Ted Budd is hopeful that a bipartisan, three-bill package will be incorporated into the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, which would greenlight multiyear procurement for the F-35 and F-15EX. The legislation aims to boost the US fighter inventory and improve pilot retention, and could provide stability to the defense industry. The Airpower Acceleration Act would authorize the Pentagon to purchase F-15EXs and F-35s through multiyear contracts, while also allowing for advance procurement of key components. This was first reported by Breaking Defense.

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