The U.S. Military's Most Expensive Weapons to Maintain

"For some weapons, the hardest fight wasn't against the enemy, in fact it was more so against wear and time. Advanced technology has delivered decisive advantages but in some cases has imposed relentless upkeep on crews and logistics chains. Here, 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at how these systems became a maintenance nightmare for the U.S. Military."

"To determine the most high maintenance weapons ever used by U.S. Forces, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed various historical and military sources. We included supplemental information regarding each weapon or weapon system, why each was so maintenance heavy, what was done about it, and why it is so important. Here is a look at the most high maintenance weapons ever issued to U.S. Forces:"

"Maintenance-heavy weapons show a hidden side of military power that rarely makes headlines. While these systems often delivered unmatched capability on the battlefield, their sustainment demands shaped readiness, deployment tempo, and long-term viability just as much as combat performance. By examining weapons that strained maintenance and logistics networks, this highlights how sustainment realities influence military effectiveness and why the ability to keep systems operational is as decisive as the weapons themselves."

Some U.S. military weapons delivered exceptional battlefield capability while imposing relentless, long-term maintenance costs on crews and logistics chains. Advanced engines, sensors, stealth materials, and complex mechanics increased sustainment burdens and required extensive man-hours, specialized tools, and controlled environments. Those upkeep demands frequently determined mission-capable rates and shaped deployment tempo, readiness, and long-term viability as much as combat effectiveness. High-maintenance systems often generated an invisible sustainment bill that constrained operational availability. Evaluating which weapons were most maintenance intensive clarifies how sustainment realities influence military effectiveness and why keeping systems operational is as decisive as their combat performance.

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