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

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

Ciara C. WETZLER, Robert O. WALTON

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*Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida, USA

DOI: 10.64404/JoDRM.2025.2.18

Issue: Vol. 16, Issue 2 (31) / 2025

Abstract

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 longterm,
flexible budgeting, and strengthen industry partnerships to improve readiness
and ensure the timely delivery of critical fighter aircraft components during
disruptions.

Key words:

supply chain, national security, budget, mission capability,
manpower, fighter aircraft, and pandemic.

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