Payload
• Victoria Woodburn
The Space Force’s fiscal 2027 budget request drew attention earlier this year after reaching a record $71.3 billion. The proposed funding level underscores the expanding scale of U.S. investment in military space capabilities and provides an important baseline for congressional consideration and future program priorities.
Defense Budgets & Spending
Latest source-backed stories
The Space Force’s fiscal 2027 budget request drew attention earlier this year after reaching a record $71.3 billion. The proposed funding level underscores the expanding scale of U.S. investment in military space capabilities and provides an important baseline for congressional consideration and future program priorities.
The U.S. Space Force is expanding beyond its initial mission set as proposed spending rises to $71.1 billion, with funding concentrated on missile warning, moving-target tracking, command and control and classified programs. It will also operate aging weather satellites through at least 2028 while replacement systems are developed.
The Navy is considering a major redesign of its next-generation aircraft carriers to more closely resemble World War II-era warships, a shift driven by President Trump’s preferences. The proposed changes could add billions of dollars to the cost of the carrier fleet.
President Trump has directed the U.S. Navy to restore an older aircraft-carrier launch technology, a reversal expected to cost billions of dollars. The decision would affect the fleet’s approach to launching aircraft and reopen questions about procurement priorities, transition costs and the performance of newer systems.
High activity
President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. Navy to remove the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) from the future USS Doris Miller, the fourth Ford-class carrier, and revert to steam catapults. The decision risks additional cost and schedule delays for the carrier program after years of EMALS development.
High activity
President Donald Trump has directed the Navy to remove the complex aircraft-launch system installed on its carriers and return to steam catapults. Navy officials have opposed the change for years, and the retrofit is expected to cost billions of dollars.
High activity
The Pentagon says President Donald Trump’s $185 billion Golden Dome missile-defense initiative has established its first operational site at Fort Story, Virginia, and completed two key tests. Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein warned that without continued funding—and a solution to a potential 2027 cliff—the program will stop.
RTX CEO Chris Calio said defense executives remain confident in Pentagon spending prospects despite uncertainty over the mechanics and topline of the fiscal 2027 budget. In a July earnings call, Calio cited bipartisan congressional support for increased munitions funding as lawmakers consider future allocations.
Create a free account to see more recent Defense Budgets & Spending stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
