MINIMUM INVENTORY OF C-130 AIRCRAFT.

SEC. 146. MINIMUM INVENTORY OF C-130 AIRCRAFT. (a) Minimum Inventory Requirement.— (1) In general.—During the covered period, the Secretary of the Air Force shall maintain a total inventory of C-130 aircraft of not less than 271 aircraft. (2) Exception.—The Secretary of the Air Force may reduce the number of C-130 aircraft in the Air Force below the minimum number specified in paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines, on a case-by-case basis, that an aircraft is no longer mission capable because of a mishap or other damage. (3) Covered period defined.—In this subsection, the term “covered period” means the period— (A) beginning at the close of the period described in section 138(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 135 Stat. 1577); and (B) ending on September 30, 2026. (b) Prohibition on Reduction of C-130 Aircraft Assigned to National Guard.— (1) In general.—During the period of fiscal years 2023 through 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force may not reduce the total number of C-130 aircraft assigned to the National Guard below the number so assigned as of the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Exception.—The prohibition under paragraph (1) shall not apply to an individual C-130 aircraft that the Secretary of the Air Force determines, on a case-by-case basis, to be no longer mission capable because of a mishap or other damage.