Following a pandemic-induced lull in 2020, there were clear signs that major military aircraft programs were back on track by the end of 2021. Finland announced its H-X selection, Switzerland signed a major contract for the Lockheed Martin F-35, UAE purchased the Dassault Rafale, and a host of other nations concluded delayed deals to put fleet recapitalization efforts back on track. As a result of progress in procurement, legacy fleets will be retired. More than 12,000 military aircraft are expected to be withdrawn from service over the next decade.

According to projections from Aviation Week Network’s 2022 Military Fleet & MRO Forecast, the aircraft families with the highest number of retirements over the next decade are the Bell Huey, the Northrop F-5 and the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon.