U.S. Air Force Mission Capable Rates Fall to Lowest Known Level in 20 Years

Mission capable rates for aircraft across the U.S. Air Force in 2024 fell to their lowest levels in 10-20 years, according to new data publicised on February 18. The average mission capable rate for all USAF fleets fell to just 67.15 percent in FY 2024, 69.92 percent and 71.24 percent in FY-2023 and FY2024. Data available  for 2004-2006 and 2012-2024 shows that mission capable rates during these periods were also higher, leaving rates in 2024 as the lowest on record in the last two decades. Within the Air Force’s fighter fleet, the F-22 and F-35 fifth generation fighters have consistently dragged down average mission capable rates due to their particularly high maintenance needs, with rates for the troubled F-22 falling to just 40.19, while that of the F-35A remained at just 51.5 percent - below the already controversial 55 percent seen in preceding years.

The transitioning of F-16 units to the F-35 has been a primary factor lowering mission capable rates across the fighter fleet, as the F-16 consistently proved to be one of the easiest fighters to maintain, despite airframes being worn out by decades of use compared to relatively new F-35s. Shortcomings in the F-22 and F-35 programs, namely major delays and the cancellation of the large majority of F-22 production, has had the effect of forcing ageing Cold War era fighters to remain in service for decades longer than intended, which has in turn diminished their mission capable rates. The F-15C which was intended to be replaced by the F-22, and has continued flying for close to 20 years than intended, is restricted to mission capable rates of just 52.0 percent. Issues with the F-22 have led the Air Force since 2021 to seek to begin retiring the problematic aircraft a fraction through their service lives, while increasing orders for new F-15s.