U.S. Senator Ted Cruz from Texas has introduced the CMV-22 Readiness Enhancement and Industrial Sustainment Act, aimed at bolstering naval aviation capabilities in contested environments while maintaining industrial resilience during the Department of Defense’s transition to next-generation vertical lift systems. The proposed legislation would authorize the Navy to implement proven nacelle improvements on its CMV–22 fleet, building upon successful upgrades made to the Air Force CV–22.
Senator Cruz emphasized the importance of a capable and reliable CMV-22 Osprey fleet for operations in the Indo-Pacific region, noting that equipment issues have impacted aircraft reliability. “In Texas we have a highly skilled workforce able to address those equipment issues, and this will enable them to do so and enhance the Navy’s effectiveness,” said Cruz. He urged his colleagues to support and enact this bill into law.
The bill outlines several key actions: authorizing nacelle improvement integration across the CMV–22 fleet to enhance readiness and reliability; prioritizing upgrades for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 for immediate operational impact; leveraging performance data from CV–22 upgrades; sustaining skilled workforce capacity and supply chain readiness in Texas and other states supporting tiltrotor technology; and requiring a report to Congress within 180 days detailing implementation progress, readiness metrics, and industrial base impact.
