As personnel and readiness costs have risen, USAF has devoted less money to procurement and research and development, Maj. Gen. Frank Faykes told reporters at a briefing on USAF’s 2007 budget request. In 1986, USAF put 55 percent of its budget into procurement and RDT&E. Today, the amount is around 35 percent. Faykes said the Air Force intends to increase the RDT&E budget by nearly $12 billion over the next five years.
The 301st Fighter Wing in Fort Worth, Texas, became the first standalone Reserve unit in the Air Force to get its own F-35s, welcoming the first fighter Nov. 5.