Tag: defense budget
50 articles
US Military Leaders Confront Budget Uncertainty Amid Iran War
US military leaders are facing a daunting challenge: securing a $1.5 trillion budget to sustain their priorities, but Congress has thrown a wrench into the works with a steep reduction in reconciliation funding, slashing the administration's $350 billion request to just $60 billion for Iran war operations.
Congress Scrambles to Fund E-7 Wedgetail Program
Congress is racing against the clock to secure funding for the E-7 Wedgetail program after the Trump administration's surprise move to save it from the chopping block. With the program's future now in their hands, lawmakers are turning to budget amendments to keep the critical early-warning aircraft program flying high.
Europe's Militaries Grapple with Airpower Modernization
As Europe's air fleets age and threats escalate, defense leaders are facing a daunting dilemma: how to modernize their airpower for a rapidly changing world. With aging aircraft and rising defense budgets, the question on everyone's mind is: what's the future of airpower - manned or unmanned?
Japan's ASM-3 Kai Missile Expands to Anti-Air Role
Japan's defense budget request takes a surprising turn with the ASM-3 Kai missile, now being eyed for a dual role as both an anti-ship and anti-air missile, marking a significant expansion of its capabilities. This development hints at a more versatile and robust defense strategy for the country.
Congress Wrestles with $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget
The Pentagon is seeking a historic $1.5 trillion defense budget, but faces an uphill battle on Capitol Hill as Congress juggles multiple complex bills. A solid budget resolution is crucial, with Sen. Jack Reed saying it would put lawmakers in a much better position to move forward.
Taiwan Boosts Defense Budget to $35 Billion Amid China Threat
Taiwan is stepping up its defense game with a record $35 billion budget, a bold move that shows its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and deterring potential threats. This massive 18% increase is a clear signal of the island's determination to bolster its defenses and protect its people.
Golden Dome Missile Defense Shield Faces Funding Impasse
The Golden Dome missile defense shield is at a crossroads, with Gen. Michael Guetlein warning that without a resolved funding pathway, the program simply won't exist. Its future hinges on securing a topline appropriation, as a continuing resolution won't suffice.
Congress Reshapes FY27 Defense Budget With Cuts And Shifts
Congress is reworking the FY27 defense budget, taking a cautious approach by endorsing a $1.1 trillion topline while rejecting the administration's request to funnel $350 billion through reconciliation, a move Senator Susan Collins warned posed a "terrible risk". This pivotal decision comes as lawmakers navigate the complexities of defense funding with the fiscal year just around the corner.
Taiwan's Drone Procurement Stalls Amid Budget Impasse
Taiwan's drone procurement plans are in limbo due to a budget deadlock, with President Lai Ching-te warning of an unprecedented impasse that could leave the island without new combat drones by 2026. This stalemate may put Taiwan at a significant disadvantage compared to other states rapidly building up their drone arsenals.
Pentagon Urged to Reassess Costs of Advanced Energetic Materials
The US military's critical munitions come with a hefty price tag - over $1 million each. Can the Pentagon afford to keep shelling out big bucks for these pricey explosives and propellants?
White House Pushes Back on Congress' Trump Class Battleship Program Curbs
The White House and Congress are at odds over the Trump Class Battleship program, with a $17 billion price tag and a 2036 service entry date hanging in the balance. The White House supports authorizing 18 new ships, but is pushing back on a congressional proposal that would pause work on the program until certain weapon systems are proven effective.
US Lawmakers Slow Reconciliation Spending Momentum
The House's version of the reconciliation bill is likely to leave the Pentagon with a significantly smaller budget than requested, with less than 20% of the $350 billion sought actually being delivered. This shortfall has sparked skepticism among Senate lawmakers about the bill's chances of advancing.
Pentagon Rushes to Commit $126 Billion Before Fiscal Year Deadline
The Pentagon is racing against the clock to commit a whopping $126 billion before September 30, or risk losing some of those funds to an automatic 8.3 percent cut. With only $26 billion already on contract, time is running out to tap into the $152 billion pot from 2025 reconciliation legislation.
White House Proposes Raid on Navy E-2 Account to Fund USAF E-7s
The White House is shaking up its budget plans, proposing a $1.5 billion shift to fund the Air Force's E-7 Wedgetail program, a move that would siphon funds from the Navy's E-2D aircraft procurement. This significant reallocation aims to fast-track the development of two E-7 Wedgetail prototype aircraft.
Congress Backs $1.5B White House Bid for E-7 Wedgetail Funding
Congress is throwing its weight behind the White House's $1.5 billion bid to fund the E-7 Wedgetail program, a move that could give the project a flying start. The funding boost would come from reallocating resources from the Navy's E-2 procurement account and the Air Force's classified special update programs.
Air Force Undermines A-10 Commitment
The Air Force's commitment to keeping the A-10 flying through 2030 is being undermined by its own budget, which allocates zero dollars for modernization and cuts depot maintenance, putting the fleet's future in jeopardy. This disconnect between promise and funding is slowing down rebuilding efforts, making them costlier and increasingly infeasible.
Pentagon Weighs Cutting Traditional Weapons to Fund Drones
The Pentagon is considering a bold move: cutting back on traditional, high-end weapons to make room for swarms of low-cost drones, a shift that could revolutionize modern warfare. If funding plans fall through, the department is prepared to make tough trade-offs, prioritizing affordable, autonomous tech over pricier systems.
Pentagon Seeks $13.7 Billion to Bolster F-35 Sustainment Amid Readiness Decline
The Pentagon is throwing a lifeline to its struggling F-35 fleet, requesting $13.7 billion to boost sustainment and reverse a troubling decline in readiness that saw full mission capable rates plummet from 38% to just 25%.
Senate Panel Unveils $1.14T Defense Bill with New Drone Command
The Senate Armed Services Committee has just unveiled a groundbreaking $1.14 trillion defense policy bill that sets the stage for a major overhaul of the Pentagon's approach to unmanned systems and artificial intelligence. At the heart of the bill is the creation of a new four-star combatant command dedicated to robotic and autonomous systems.
House Appropriators Unveil $1 Trillion Defense Bill for FY27
The House Appropriations Committee has just unveiled a groundbreaking $1 trillion defense bill for FY27, prioritizing the production of critical munitions, cutting-edge technology, and modern warfare capabilities to equip troops for the challenges ahead. With $10.6 billion allocated for legacy munitions and $836 million for low-cost options, this bill is set to revolutionize the nation's defense strategy.
Lawmakers Press Army for Detailed Transformation Plans
Congress is pushing the Army for a clearer roadmap to achieve its transformation goals, with Rep. Mike Rogers bluntly stating that the Army hasn't done its homework. The House Armed Services Committee has now mandated an annual report and briefing from the Army to keep lawmakers in the loop.
Congress Rebuffs Effort to Cut Trump-class Battleship Funding
In a surprising move, an effort to slash funding for the Trump-class battleship program was shut down, with Rep. Adam Smith's amendment to strip $1 billion in advanced procurement failing 26-30. The congressman had argued that the hefty $20 billion price tag of the lead battleship could be better spent elsewhere.
Congress Pushes Navy to Develop Containerized HELIOS Laser
Congress is pushing the Navy to revolutionize its laser technology by developing a containerized version of the highly anticipated HELIOS laser, a move that could significantly enhance the military's capabilities. A proposed $5 million funding boost for this project is sparking excitement about the potential for a game-changing maritime defense system.
House Defense Bill Leaves Trump Priorities Unfunded
The House Armed Services Committee's initial defense spending plan falls short of the Pentagon's request, setting a baseline of $1.15 trillion - a far cry from the $1.5 trillion needed to fund key priorities. This leaves crucial initiatives in limbo, tied to a separate reconciliation vehicle rather than being fully funded.