The price of power: U.S. spends $13.6bn yearly to maintain military aircrafts

The United States Air Force (USAF) and Navy operate some of the world’s most advanced and expensive military aircraft. However, with the privilege of operating these aircraft comes a significant financial burden.

The cost of maintaining these fleets runs into billions of dollars annually, presenting challenges for both branches as they strive to keep their aging aircraft operational while also pursuing new procurement strategies.

Challenges in maintenance

As aircraft age, their maintenance costs tend to increase. This is particularly true for advanced aircraft, which require specialized equipment and expertise for upkeep. The USAF and Navy face challenges in maintaining their aging fleets, leading to increased readiness issues.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported in 2022 that both the USAF and Navy are struggling to maintain their fleets. While many of the aircraft are new, a significant portion consists of older airframes, leading to rising maintenance costs. Issues such as parts shortages and maintenance delays further exacerbate the problem.

Despite these challenges, the US continues to operate one of the most formidable air forces globally, with the Navy’s air arm being a key component.

Cost breakdown

According to the GAO, the combined annual maintenance costs for the USAF and Navy’s aircraft amount to approximately $13.6 billion. However, this figure is somewhat unclear, as it encompasses around 8,300 aircraft across both branches, making it challenging to determine the average cost per aircraft.

Maintenance costs per flight hour also vary significantly between aircraft types. For example, the F-22 Raptor costs $68,000 per flight hour to maintain, while the Navy FA-18F costs approximately $10,500 per hour. The F-35 program, often criticized for its high costs, has seen a reduction in maintenance expenses over the years, with the annual cost per aircraft decreasing from $9.4 million in 2014 to $6.2 million in 2022.

Budgetary considerations

The USAF’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget request is $188.1 billion, with a significant portion allocated to Operations and Maintenance. This category accounts for around 40% of the total budget and covers various expenses beyond aircraft maintenance. The Navy’s 2024 budget stands at $202.5 billion, with a portion dedicated to maintaining its fleet of ships and aircraft.

Comparative analysis

The USAF’s operation and maintenance budget alone surpass the entire 2023 British military budget. Excluding the US, only three other countries had a military budget exceeding $75.6 billion in 2023. The US’s defense budget for 2025 is $849.8 billion, highlighting the country’s significant military expenditure.

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