EXAMINING THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE FIGHTER AIRCRAFT SUPPLY CHAIN: HOW NATIONAL SECURITY, BUDGETING, AND MANPOWER CHALLENGES IMPACT MISSION CAPABILITY

This study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted the United States Air Force (USAF) supply chain, particularly concerning fighter aircraft, leading to further reductions in mission capability (MC) rates. Global delays and shortages in critical components and materials directly impair the Air Force’s ability to respond to national security threats and maintain strategic deterrence. This disruption also strained the Department of Defense’s (DoD) sustainment budget and manpower requirements. This research examines solutions the Air Force is exploring to combat supply chain disruptions, such as Conditions-Based Maintenance (CBM+) and Quality Function Deployment (QFD), to increase mission capability rates and relieve long-standing issues regarding manpower and budgeting constraints. These challenges highlight the urgent need to modernize supply chain systems, adopt long-term, flexible budgeting, and strengthen industry partnerships to improve readiness and ensure the timely delivery of critical fighter aircraft components during disruptions.