**GAO-10-789**                      Published: Jul 29, 2010. Publicly Released: Aug 09, 2010.                  

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## Highlights

From 2011 through 2015, DOD plans to spend over $336 billion to operate, maintain, modernize, and recapitalize its tactical air forces. Since DOD projects tactical aircraft inventory shortfalls over the next 15 years, it must effectively balance resources between an increasingly expensive Joint Strike Fighter program and the need to keep its legacy aircraft viable. GAO was asked to assess DOD's tactical aircraft requirements, the extent to which plans for upgrading and retiring legacy aircraft and acquiring new aircraft are likely to meet the requirements, and how changes in strategic plans and threat assessments have affected requirements. GAO analyzed tactical aircraft requirement and inventory data, key plans and threat assessments.

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## GAO Contacts

Michael J. Sullivan
sullivanm@gao.gov

(202) 512-4841

## Office of Public Affairs

Sarah Kaczmarek
kaczmareks@gao.gov

(202) 512-4800

## Topics

National Defense

Air defense systemsAir Force procurementCost analysisCost effectiveness analysisDefense budgetsDefense capabilitiesDefense operationsDefense procurementFighter aircraftForce structureInvestmentsLegacy systemsMilitary aircraftMilitary inventoriesMilitary materielNeeds assessmentProcurement planningRequirements definitionRisk assessmentSecurity assessmentsStrategic planningTactical air forces