
The U.S. Air Force fiscal 2024 budget request of nearly $4.9 billion for 48 Lockheed Martin [LMT] F-35As--five more than Congress funded last year--and $2.3 billion ask for 24 Boeing [BA] F-15EXs--14 more than appropriated last year--will aid the Air Force in boosting the number of fighter squadrons able to deter China, a top service official said on Apr. 19. At a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee's readiness subcomittee, Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) asked Air Force Vice Chief…