US Air Force Plans to Retire U-2S Reconnaissance Jets by 2027 Amid Cost Concerns
The US Air Force is once again planning to retire its fleet of Lockheed U-2S high-altitude reconnaissance jets by the end of fiscal year 2027. This decision comes after previous attempts to retire the aircraft were blocked by Congress. The U-2S jets, some of which have been in operation for nearly 60 years, are facing significant costs due to airframe age and fatigue. The Air Force's budget request for fiscal year 2027, which begins in October 2026, includes plans to divest these aircraft to avoid further maintenance expenses. Currently, there are 28 U-2S jets in service, along with two civil variant ER-2s operated by NASA. Despite the retirement plans, the Air Force will continue to operate the U-2S in the near term, with ongoing maintenance contracts in place. 
