Arizona's 'Boneyard' Holds 4,000 Military Aircraft Worth $34 Billion
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, holds one of the world’s largest collections of military aircraft. Nicknamed the 'Boneyard,' the site spans over 2,600 acres and stores more than 4,000 planes. Among them, around 1,000 are vintage models dating back to World War II and the Vietnam War era. The facility operates under the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group. Its workforce of roughly 800 people—mostly federal civilians—preserves decommissioned aircraft and maintains parts for active fleets. The dry desert climate and hard soil provide ideal conditions for long-term storage.
The base remains fully operational today. By reclaiming and reusing parts, it saves the US military an estimated $500 million each year. The stored aircraft and components are valued at around $34 billion.
Many of the planes were built 60 to 70 years ago. Despite their age, they remain a critical resource for maintenance and training operations. Davis-Monthan continues to serve as a key site for aircraft preservation and cost savings. The base’s unique environment and specialised workforce ensure that decommissioned planes remain useful for decades. Its operations support both historical conservation and modern military needs.
