Air Force Proposes Shift in Aircraft Inventory Metric to Boost Readiness
In the United States, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. David H. Tabor is proposing to replace the current Primary Mission Aircraft Inventory metric with a Combat Coded Total Aircraft Inventory to better support funding and combat readiness.
Baltimore, MD, September 23, 2026 —
The United States Air Force is considering a significant change to how it measures its aircraft inventory, aiming to enhance both funding allocation and combat readiness. Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. David H. Tabor has put forward a proposal to replace the existing Primary Mission Aircraft Inventory (PMAI) metric.
The proposed new metric is called the Combat Coded Total Aircraft Inventory (CCTAI). According to the proposal, this shift is intended to provide a more accurate reflection of the Air Force’s capabilities and needs, thereby better supporting funding requests and improving overall combat readiness.
The details regarding the specific timeline for implementing this proposed change, the exact methodology behind the CCTAI metric, or potential impacts on current budget allocations were not provided. It is also unclear at this time what specific thresholds or criteria would define an aircraft as ‘combat coded’ under the new system.
The PMAI metric, which would be superseded by the CCTAI, has historically been used to track aircraft available for primary missions. The Air Force’s rationale for seeking a new metric suggests that the current system may not fully capture the readiness status or strategic deployment potential of the total aircraft fleet.
Lt. Gen. Tabor’s proposal signals a strategic effort within the Air Force to align its asset accounting with operational demands. The move aims to ensure that resources are directed effectively toward maintaining and enhancing the force’s ability to execute combat missions. Further information on the transition plan and the full implications of adopting the CCTAI is anticipated.
Story summarized from the original created by David H. Tabor, opinion contributor on thehill.com, see more information here.
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