The U.S. Air Force's maintenance and sustainment operations are expected to intensify due to the recent conflict in Iran, which resulted in damage to numerous aircraft. A report from the Congressional Research Service indicated that at least 42 U.S. aircraft were lost or damaged during Operation Epic Fury, with additional losses reported, including an Army Apache helicopter shot down by an Iranian drone.
The Air Force reported losses including four F-15E fighter jets, one A-10 Thunderbolt II, one F-35A Lightning II, and several MQ-9 Reaper drones, among others. Diana Maurer, director of the Government Accountability Office’s Defense Capabilities and Management team, noted that the increased demand will strain the already burdened maintenance infrastructure of the Air Force, which is facing challenges such as a shortage of spare parts and personnel.
Retired Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula highlighted that the losses included both combat and non-combat incidents, emphasizing the need for a serious examination of air base defense. The Air Force is also dealing with ongoing maintenance of its aging fleet, including the KC-135 aerial refuelers, which remain critical due to delays in the introduction of their intended successor, the KC-46A Pegasus.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink indicated that while some damaged aircraft are being repaired, others may take one to two years to become operational again. The service's budget proposal includes funding to address these maintenance needs, although specific allocations for aircraft repairs were not detailed. Additionally, both the House and Senate have included a 'right to repair' provision in the defense bill to allow the Air Force more autonomy in maintaining its equipment.