As NATO nations seek to advance beyond evolving global security threats on the horizon, air fleet modernization remains a top priority. In 2024, several countries including Denmark, Greece, and Poland were authorized to purchase new fleets of aircraft from U.S. manufacturers for their defense forces. Greece is among a list of countries that have purchased a fleet of F-35s, increasing Europe’s footprint in air defense (Air and Space Forces). According to a 2022 factsheet from NATO, “a significant amount of the medium multi-role assets currently in service by Allies, will reach the end of their life cycle in the 2035-40 period and beyond, with the subsequent need for replacements “ (NATO, 2022). As this major change occurs around the world, nations should be considering a number of logistics/support requirements moving forward.
If the new air defense fleet will replace an existing one, it is essential to evaluate the differences between the types and uses of aircraft and missions. Brand-new air fleets require similar consideration, as well.
Most importantly, it is imperative to develop a detailed transition plan outlining the timeline for phasing out older aircraft and introducing new ones. Each milestone should identify all key areas including the following considerations:
- Aircraft facilities and ramp space are a large consideration when updating fleet inventory. Ample Hangar space for aircraft work and back shop for specific in-shop work, and aircraft parking are key components to review. Hangar space and ramp surfacing for new parking spaces need long lead times that may require innovative solutions to support inventory until new facilities are available. Those solutions require risk assessments for safety of personnel and equipment.
- New aircraft fleets can require new, or additional aircraft support equipment. This would likely involve additional personnel and training to support new equipment, including training on proper operational use. There will likely be specific tooling required to remove and replace components and disassemble/reassemble parts that have been sent to back shops for repairs.
- Training and building experience on the new airframe for personnel is vital. This gradual process requires insight from selected personnel who have worked the airframe before. Developing troubleshooting skills from experience is extremely important to the success of operations. Contractors are an excellent source for this experience. Learning, reading, understanding, and following aircraft technical data is crucial for performing maintenance actions correctly and safely.
- Another key consideration includes providing expedient engineering support to help solve issues not adequately addressed in technical data. It is noteworthy how many incidents arise that are not addressed in technical data, no matter how long an aircraft fleet has been in service from the manufacturer. Having skilled engineering support on your team can help clear up specific areas in the technical data that were not written clearly. Of course, differences in language translation can cause misunderstandings. This is another reason why contractors with past airframe experience can be crucial.
- Ensuring that the aircraft fleet maintains the ability to support the mission is critical. Having parts support helps certify that the air fleet operates at its highest efficiency. Contractors can help identify sources of support and identify specific parts that are problematic. Then, special emphasis can be applied to those parts to improve performance.
Regardless of when an organization is fortifying their air defense, Day & Zimmermann has the experience and can help with those transitions. Through our critical aviation maintenance planning and execution, technician staffing, maintenance priorities, and pre-flight readiness inspections, we have more than 20 years of experience providing extensive no-fail Systems Readiness & Sustainment services to our customers in the United States Government (USG).
