<p>Leveraging advantageous properties including low density, high specific strength, and corrosion resistance, titanium alloys have become essential structural joining components in aerospace systems. Nevertheless, their inherently low hardness and poor wear resistance constrain reliability and service life in demanding in-service conditions. This study aims to enhance their surface properties through a combination of ultrasonic shot peening (USP) and thermal oxidation (TO). The results indicate that USP pretreatment refines surface grains, increases surface roughness, and optimizes oxygen atoms diffusion pathways, resulting in the formation of a thicker oxygen diffusion layer. Following the USP/TO composite treatment, a composite strengthening layer is formed on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, consisting of Rutile TiO₂, Brookite-TiO₂, and other phases, which enhances both the microhardness of the surface and subsurface. Notably, the sample treated with USP/TO for 5 min exhibits a 98% reduction in wear volume and mitigates abrasive wear.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>