Summary

In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Air Force's plans and efforts to modernize and expand its tactical fighter force and the cost and affordability of these plans.

GAO found that: (1) since the Air Force issued its Tactical Fighter Roadmap to modernize and expand its tactical air forces (TAF), it has purchased over 600 new aircraft and increased its TAF to about 80 aircraft; (2) the Air Force did not include cost estimates for achieving the expansion or for operating, maintaining, and supporting it; (3) cost increases have limited the acquisition of aircraft and deterred achievement of expansion objectives; and (4) because of these increases and funding constraints, the Air Force delayed further expansion of TAF.