Prohibit Deactivation of the ECABs Act of 2026

Protect Army expeditionary aviation brigades

This bill would stop the Army from using funds to retire, deactivate, or reduce Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 unless specific conditions are met. The Secretary of the Army would have to submit to the congressional defense committees both a certification that affected aircraft and capabilities will be recapitalized and restored, and the Secretary's plan for doing so. The Secretary would also have to reinstate or restore any ECABs retired or reduced before enactment within one year and send a report on that restoration to the congressional defense committees. Within 180 days after enactment, the Secretary would have to send the congressional defense committees a plan to sustain and modernize ECAB aircraft. The bill would authorize $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 for ECAB aircraft operations and training.