The U.S. Air Force currently has a shortfall of around 500 fighter pilots and the number is expected to widen to more than 800 by 2022.
By Technical Sergeant Ben Bloker (USAF) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Over the years, the service had cutback on the number of active duty fighter squadrons and many pilots left to fly for airlines.
If left unfix, the “remaining active component fighter squadrons do not produce enough experienced fighter pilots to meet all of the staff, test and training requirements,” a statement by Air Force officials at a U.S. Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing said.