Since the 1980s, the U.S. Air Force fighter fleet has steadily shrunk and aged. Although this trend affects all fighter categories, it has been particularly severe for specialized air-to-air and air-to-ground aircraft, as most new acquisitions over this period have been multirole platforms such as the F-15E and F-35.
Quantity
Average Age (years)
Selected Air Force Aircraft:
Quantity
Average Age (years)
Notes: This page was originally published March 4, 2026. Average ages are approximates, particularly starting in 2012 when the Almanac no longer broke out average age by component (active, guard, and reserve) and instead only showed a total force age. Figures for the F-15E for 1987-2002 are also approximations and are informed by other sources as the Almanac does not differentiate between variants. Figures for the F-15A/C for 1987-2002 are based on Almanac F-15 figures minus the F-15E approximations used in this chart. Figures for the F-15A/C also include the F-15B/D, and the F-16C also include the F-16A/B/D.
Source: Air & Space Forces Magazine, "Almanacs".
Design and Development: Data visualization by John W. Fleming and Jay Simon. Research by Jason Camilletti.