Chairman Cramer Holds Airland Subcommittee Hearing on Air Force Modernization

Cramer Emphasizes Importance of ISR, Counter-UAS Capabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The future of U.S. airpower was on full display at today's Senate Armed Services (SASC) Airland Subcommittee hearing, where Chairman U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) led a review of Air Force modernization priorities tied to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Defense Authorization Request and Future Years Defense Program. Lawmakers examined how the Air Force is racing to sharpen its technological edge and strengthen readiness against rapidly evolving global threats.

"I want to start by saying how much I appreciate the work you have all done and the work that went into this budget request," said Cramer in his opening remarks. "Putting together an Air Force budget in this environment is no small task, even with a pretty good topline number. You're balancing today's threats with tomorrow's challenges, and you're doing it while the world seems to get more dangerous by the day, hour, and week. From my perspective, I think this is a thoughtful budget that clearly puts an emphasis on modernization. I think that's the right direction."

"We can't deter China, support our allies, and maintain air superiority with aging equipment and good intentions," continued Cramer. "The investments in next-generation capabilities, advanced munitions, command-and-control, and collaborative combat aircraft show the Air Force understands where the fight is headed. That doesn't mean Congress shouldn't ask some tough questions-I expect we will-because that's our job. […] At the end of the day, the Air Force is being asked to do a lot with pressure coming from every direction. This subcommittee understands that."

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Cramer warned about reductions in the MQ-9 fleet, saying current numbers are falling well below levels needed to meet operational requirements. The issue is especially significant for the North Dakota Air National Guard 119th Wing, known as the "Happy Hooligans," whose MQ-9 Reapers continue supporting global Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and precision strike missions. The aircraft have played a key role in counterterrorism operations, maritime surveillance, force protection, and regional deterrence, although recent operations have also highlighted vulnerabilities against advanced air defenses and electronic warfare capabilities.

Cramer asked Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs Lt. Gen. David Tabor and Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force Futures Maj. Gen. Christopher Niemi how the service plans to sustain and eventually replace the MQ-9 fleet without creating capability gaps for the warfighter.

Lt. Gen. Tabor said the Air Force is monitoring the MQ-9 "very, very closely." He said Operation Epic Fury has demonstrated the value of the MQ-9 and its impact has been "remarkable."

"We're still able to fulfill our contract of 56 combat lines worldwide," said Lt. Gen. Tabor. "With that said, we are concerned about how they've attrited and we're looking at options to buy back as many of the MQ-9As as we possibly can right now." He said this is a short-term goal that's transitioning to a longer-term goal.

Maj. Gen. Niemi said the MQ-9 is serving the nation well in the conflict in the Middle East but noted the advantages of modular packages to reducing costs.

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Cramer raised concerns about the Air Force's future airborne ISR posture as legacy surveillance platforms face retirement without a clearly defined replacement strategy. The RQ-4 Global Hawk fleet based at Grand Forks Air Force Base has played a major role in recent ISR operations, including Operation Epic Fury, but the Air Force plans to retire its remaining RQ-4 aircraft by the end of FY 2027.

Cramer asked Lt. Gen. Tabor about plans for the RQ-4 and its replacement capability to avoid any gaps.

"It is our eventual plan to retire those," said Lt. Gen. Tabor. He said the Air Force has worked hard over the last eight months to articulate a road map showing where it can make trade-offs from some of the "older, less productive systems into some of the new systems that we're looking at, as well as some of the space-based capabilities."

Cramer also asked Lt. Gen. Tabor how space assets have performed in modern conflicts. He responded by noting space has been "impressive" and there are more military successes due to space than generally known.

Because a layered defense begins at the closest level by protecting U.S. bases with counter small-UAS systems, Cramer asked whether Air Force bases across the United States are protected with the tools and authorities in the Air Force's arsenal against such attacks. Lt. Gen. Tabor said they are "bullish" on the promise of Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) 401 and are actively looking into incorporating those capabilities. Maj. Gen. Niemi agreed the Air Force recognizes the need to bolster capabilities to protect assets against drone threats from adversaries.