No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section prohibits the Secretary of the Air Force from divesting, deactivating, redesignating, consolidating, transferring, retiring, or otherwise reducing the mission capability of any MQ–9 aircraft or MQ–9 aircraft unit during the covered period. It bars reductions in primary aerospace vehicle authorization numbers for Air National Guard units or in the Air Force’s primary mission aircraft inventory below levels in effect on the date of enactment, as well as changes to designed operational capability statements or personnel assignments that would lower unit capabilities. Exceptions apply to individual aircraft deemed unsafe or uneconomical to repair and to units approved for mission conversion after certification and submission of transition plans to the congressional defense committees.
This section requires the Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination with the Director of the Air National Guard, to submit a report to the congressional defense committees within 180 days of enactment on the MQ-9 aircraft fleet recapitalization plan. The report must assess current operational status and service life, describe modernization and sustainment efforts through FY2035, evaluate recapitalization options, outline the Air National Guard's role in the future force structure, project timelines and funding needs, and identify any required legislative authorities.
This section defines terms for the Act, including the congressional defense committees as set forth in 10 U.S.C. 101(a), the covered period from enactment through September 30, 2032, and the designed operational capability statement as provided in Air Force Instruction 10-201.