The SUSTAIN Act prohibits the Air Force from reducing, retiring, or downgrading MQ-9 unmanned aircraft units that exist as of the bill's enactment through September 30, 2032. This protection applies to both active Air Force units and Air National Guard units, including maintaining their current number of aircraft, operational capabilities, and staffing levels. The bill includes limited exceptions allowing the Air Force to retire individual aircraft that are unsafe or uneconomical to repair, or to convert a unit to a new mission if the applicable state governor approves and Congress is notified of the transition plan. The Air Force must also submit a detailed report within 180 days outlining its plan to modernize and recapitalize the MQ-9 fleet through 2035, including projected costs and any needed legislative authorities.
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