It costs almost as much to keep a decent Air Force trained and in a state of readiness as it does to conduct combat operations.
But it’s worth it. Look at how the Russians are suffering, with hordes of barely trained mobniks operating unfamiliar and poorly maintained equipment. CNN posted some drone video yesterday. Even the most committed pacifist would be able to see how they were blundering into kill zones without even the slightest attempt at mutual support.