The U.S. Air Force faces a spare parts shortage of about $14 billion, the report says, only 8 of 24 aircraft fleets tested met parts supply standards, and the lack of access to aircraft due to parts shortages has increased by about 87 percent in the past seven years. About 53 percent of the Air Force's aircraft are over 30 years old, and 55 percent have exceeded their projected service life. The F-16, B-52, KC-135 and F-35 fleets are experiencing parts problems, and 36 planned engine overhauls on the B-52 and KC-135 have been delayed in fiscal years 2024 and 2025 due to parts shortages. The Air Force requested about $4.25 billion for the supply of parts in fiscal year 2027.

The U.S. Air Force faces a spare parts shortage of about $14 billion, the report says, only 8 of 24 aircraft fleets tested met parts supply standards, and the lack of access to aircraft due to parts shortages has increased by about 87 percent in the past seven years. About 53 percent of the Air Force's aircraft are over 30 years old, and 55 percent have exceeded their projected service life. The F-16, B-52, KC-135 and F-35 fleets are experiencing parts problems, and 36 planned engine overhauls on the B-52 and KC-135 have been delayed in fiscal years 2024 and 2025 due to parts shortages. The Air Force requested about $4.25 billion for the supply of parts in fiscal year 2027.