The U.S. Air Force fleet experienced significant challenges in passing evaluations for mission readiness in 2024. Mission-capable rates for USAF fleets were at their lowest in over two decades.
In 2024, all USAF fleets scored 67.15% in evaluations for determining the average mission-capable rate, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine. This was a drop from a score of 71.24% in 2022. The most recent mission-capable rates were the lowest compared to previous evaluation periods, specifically 2012-2024 and 2004-2006. The results revealed possible problems for the military branch.
“Mission capable” is defined as an aircraft’s ability to “perform at least one of its several core missions,” the publication explained. It used the F-35A to provide an example, mentioning this specific aircraft is used for missions involving “counter-air, electronic warfare, ground attack, and data collection.” To be considered “mission capable,” any F-35A evaluated must complete at least one such mission successfully.
As part of the Air Force’s policy, the military branch does not provide information on any aircraft’s readiness to complete “all assigned missions” or full-mission capable rates, reported Air & Space Forces Magazine.
Furthermore, mission-capable rates varied depending on the model of the aircraft. Overall, 29 aircraft models had a drop in mission-capability rates, whereas only 26 improved. The rest of the USAF fleet was reportedly unchanged in their mission-capable rates.
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Of particular concern were the mission-capable rates for USAF bombers. These fleets had acceptable mission-capable rates less than 50% of the time, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine. This included declining rates for the USAF’s well-known bombing fleet, the B-2, known as the stealth bomber. The B-52 bombing fleet also had unsatisfactory ratings.
The rest of the scores for the USAF fleets varied. Mobility fleet aircraft received “some of the highest rates overall,” while mission-capable rates for USAF fighters were in the 33% to 55% range, reported Air & Space Forces Magazine.
