Air Force faces aircraft shortage as China expands military fleet

The Michigan House of Representatives held a critical meeting on March 5, 2025, focusing on the pressing issues of military aircraft retirement and the implications for national security. A key takeaway from the discussions was the alarming trend of the U.S. Air Force's diminishing fleet size, which is projected to reach its lowest point since its establishment in 1947.

The meeting highlighted that the Air Force is set to retire nearly 1,000 aircraft over the next five years while only acquiring about 250 new planes. This stark imbalance raises concerns about the future capacity of U.S. airpower, especially as adversaries like China continue to expand their military capabilities.

The discussions revealed a historical context for this situation, noting that funding priorities have shifted away from the Air Force to other military branches, particularly the Army, in response to counterinsurgency operations. This redirection of approximately $1.3 trillion over the years has resulted in an increased reliance on aging aircraft, many of which are now decades old.

Specific examples underscored the urgency of the situation. The B-2 bomber, a state-of-the-art platform developed at great expense, has only 20 operational units left, with technology that is nearly 40 years old. Similarly, the A-10 aircraft, beloved for its capabilities, is being phased out despite its long service history since the Vietnam War.

The meeting also addressed the operational readiness of current aircraft. The F-35, a key fighter jet, is struggling with maintenance and supply chain issues, resulting in less than 50% of the fleet being mission-capable on any given day. This situation is compounded by the fact that many pilots are flying aircraft that are older than they are, leading to concerns about training and proficiency.

In conclusion, the discussions at the meeting underscored a critical juncture for the U.S. Air Force, with significant implications for national defense. As the military grapples with an aging fleet and insufficient new acquisitions, the need for strategic planning and investment in airpower capabilities has never been more urgent. The outcomes of these discussions will likely shape the future of U.S. military readiness and its ability to respond to global threats.