MINIMUM INVENTORY OF TACTICAL AIRLIFT AIRCRAFT.

SEC. 138. MINIMUM INVENTORY OF TACTICAL AIRLIFT AIRCRAFT. (a) Minimum Inventory Requirement.—During the covered period, the Secretary of the Air Force shall maintain a total inventory of tactical airlift aircraft of not less than 279 aircraft. (b) Exception.—The Secretary of the Air Force may reduce the number of tactical airlift aircraft in the Air Force below the minimum number specified in subsection (a) 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. (c) Covered Period Defined.—In this section, the term “covered period” means the period— (1) beginning on October 1, 2021; and (2) ending on the later of— (A) October 1, 2022; or (B) the date of the enactment of the next National Defense Authorization Act enacted after the date of the enactment of this Act.