Compromise Defense Appropriations Bill Would Add Funds for Fighters, E-7

Congress is looking to add $900 million to save the E-7 airborne early warning and control aircraft from cancelation and $500 million to address “emerging needs” for the F-47 Next-Generation Air Dominance fighter in the fiscal 2026 appropriations bill released Jan. 20. The bill also funds the Air Force to buy a dozen or so more airplanes this year, including six C-130Js, two Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft, and one more F-15EX fighter, along with some $401 million to address “economic” factors impacting the F-35 program.

The appropriation is envisioned as part of a “minibus” comprised of several spending bills that Congress must pass by Jan. 30, when the current continuing resolution expires. It includes a total $17 billion over and above the Pentagon’s topline request of $832 bil