US Air Force risks grounding hundreds of aircraft without extra funds

The U.S. Air Force faces a serious problem. Hundreds of aircraft may be grounded, including F-16C/D Viper and F-15E Strike Eagle fighters, B-52 bombers, and KC-135 tankers. The reason is the lack of ability to replenish spare parts stocks if the USAF does not receive an additional 1.2 billion pounds beyond the most recent budget proposal submitted by the unit.

As The War Zone explains, spare parts were omitted in the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025, which is legally limited to help preserve funds for other priority programs, including future aircraft. However, underfunding carries a significant risk, as some aircraft may be grounded, which in the event of a potential conflict is "a highly dubious strategy".

In turn, Defense News points out that the request for an additional 1.2 billion pounds to replenish spare parts stocks was included in the list of unfunded priorities (UPL), delivered to Congress on 21 March. Interestingly, there is no request for additional aircraft on the list. Still, in addition to spare parts, it includes requests for 490 million pounds to create 9 new, deployable units, 880 million pounds for construction projects worldwide, and 213 million pounds for funding exercises in the Pacific region. The amount needed for parts is the largest item on the list. It includes:

• 134 million pounds for B-52H Stratofortress bombers.
• 451 million pounds for F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters.
• Approximately 49 million pounds for F-15E Strike Eagle fighters.
• Approximately 50 million pounds for the HC-130J Combat King aircraft.
• 156 million pounds for the RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft.
• 5.6 million pounds for C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft.
• Approximately 360 million pounds for the KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refuelling aircraft.

A spokesman for the U.S. Air Force, in a conversation with The War Zone, reported that the problem affects as many as 514 aircraft, which may be grounded due to the lack of spare parts. If the request for additional funding is accepted, this number can be reduced by 43 percent to 221 machines. The service also explains what the lack of additional funds for spare parts could mean for the fleet of American aircraft.

Grounding a significant portion of the aircraft will burden those that still perform their functions and are suitable for flight. Additionally, the lack of parts may change the pace of operations. In practice, this means a lack of "on-hand" aircraft that can be utilized in urgent need. Another challenge is restoring the ability to fly on machines grounded for a long time. As The War Zone emphasizes, this is related to planned maintenance cycles and requirements for flight certification.