A Wisconsin Congressman says some of the military's fighter jets are old and outdated. PolitiFact Wisconsin put that claim to the Truth-O-Meter.
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Republican Congressman Sean Duffy is pushing for more military spending.
He claims the military's air fleet is antiquated. "We're flying 1987 planes with 1987 technology"
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"He was making the point that in his view, the military is depleted and so his reference to 1987 planes was for the F-16 Fighter," says Tom Kertscher with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
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The Air Force tells PolitiFact Wisconsin the average age of its aircraft is 27 years, fighter and attack aircraft average is 25 years - so yes, they are getting old.
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"However the planes have been upgraded significantly since that time," said Kertscher. "They have improved software, improved weaponry, and improved GPS locating systems. "
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PolitiFact Wisconsin says the Air Force has introduced new fighter jets since 1987 and it typically takes two decades to introduce a new generation of aircraft.
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"It's correct that F-16 fighter planes, the bodies and engines are from 1987," said Kertcher, "however many technological upgrades have been made so that those planes are much more capable now than they were 30 years ago."
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PolitiFact Wisconsin rated Duffy's claim Half True.
