ABSTRACT
One of the major complaints about air power is that it is very expensive. This chapter presents the development, production and in-service support cost of fixed-wing combat aircraft. It explains that intergenerational cost growth in combat aircraft is a long-standing issue that its original analyst, Norman Augustine, argues is still in progress. Many critics focus on increased development costs, rising production prices, and unanticipated increases. However, according to the author it is the in-service support costs that have risen to the point where they pose problems for many countries. Even when the purchase itself might be affordable, nations may lack the money to use and look after the aircraft. As a consequence, interest has increased in the use of less complex aircraft for missions where adversaries lack sophisticated air defence capabilities, and many countries and non-state movements are advancing their exploitation of unmanned air systems. Over time, however, the costs of the latter are likely to rise like the costs of aircraft, as governments will require them to have more range, agility, and autonomy, as well as better protection against anti-drone systems. In essence, therefore, cost increases in defence present a challenge that may be managed, but not solved.
