Challenges in Sustainment Funding for the U.S. Air Force
The U.S. Air Force is currently facing a significant shortfall of $14 billion in its aircraft parts supply, which is impacting the methods of part acquisition and the approach towards sustainment funding, according to statements from military leaders on Wednesday.
During discussions at the Air & Space Forces Association’s 2026 Air, Space & Cyber Conference, officials emphasized the increasing necessity of sustainment funding to manage ongoing supply chain disruptions, maintenance challenges, and the aging aircraft fleet.
Addressing the Supply Gap
“At this moment, we are dealing with a $14 billion supply shortfall,” stated Lt. Gen. Linda Hurry, Commander of Air Force Materiel Command, at a discussion titled “Flying and Fixing to Fight and Win.”
She added, “Consider the magnitude of that figure. We realize that resolution won’t occur overnight, but once funding is secured, we must be strategic in our execution to effectively address this issue.”
Lt. Gen. Hurry also mentioned that the Air Force is enhancing global fleet management through partnerships and collaborations with the Defense Logistics Agency and other entities to streamline the availability of essential parts from depots back to the field.
She highlighted a significant increase in supply-related aircraft downtime, noting, “From a supply standpoint, the rate at which aircraft are grounded due to parts issues has risen by 87% over the past seven years.”
Moreover, Lt. Gen. Hurry pointed out that approximately 53% of the Air Force’s fleet is over 30 years old, with 55% considered beyond their ‘useful’ service life. In response, the Air Force is advocating for increased budget allocations, with the fiscal year 2027 budget request for the Department of the Air Force standing at a historic $338.8 billion, which includes $4.2 billion for the Consolidated Sustainment Activity Group (CSAG) to manage spare parts and maintenance backlogs.
“Any funding we receive needs to be promptly and effectively utilized,” she stressed.
Enhancing Forecasting and Supply Chain Management
Lt. Gen. Hurry further mentioned ongoing efforts to improve forecasting accuracy for better resource allocation and asset positioning globally. This initiative includes the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence models and additive manufacturing.
In addition to these technological advancements, the Air Force has been working on establishing long-term contracts that ensure more stable supply chains and diversify sources of supply.
“The era of single-source part suppliers is over. We need multiple industry partners capable of producing critical components to ensure readiness and resilience in times of need,” she explained.
The North Star Readiness Campaign
The North Star Readiness Campaign has been launched to enhance the mission capability of B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer bombers by expediting part delivery, engineering support, and depot maintenance. This initiative has been a key factor in boosting supply levels and readiness, according to Air Force Global Strike Command’s Gen. Stephen L. Davis.
“The campaign has particularly improved B-52 readiness by 40%,” Gen. Davis noted during the panel.
He concluded with a candid acknowledgment of the challenges, stating, “While not all problems can be solved with money, in this case, increased funding for parts is essential and cannot be overlooked.”
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Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
