2021 DOD budget request emphasizes critical technologies in hypersonics, artificial intelligence (AI)

Feb. 13, 2020
Pentagon wants $1.5 billion for 5G/microelectronics; $841 million for artificial intelligence; $1.7 billion in autonomy; and $3.2 billion for hypersonics.

WASHINGTON – The Pentagon wants to focus its 2021 investments on four emerging critical technologies that will increase the United States’ comparative advantage against near peer adversaries. Defense News reports. Continue reading original article

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

13 Feb. 2020 -- With $106.6 billion set aside for research and development, U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) officials claim their fiscal year 2021 budget request, which was released Feb. 10, includes the largest research funding request in more than 70 years.

This is spearheaded by $7 billion in investments in four areas that leaders are calling the “advanced capability enablers." These include hypersonics, artificial intelligence (AI), 5G and microelectronics, and autonomous platforms.

For 5G and microelectronics, the Pentagon is asking Congress for $1.5 billion next year; $841 million for artificial intelligence; $1.7 billion in autonomy; and $3.2 billion for hypersonics.

Related: Flat 2021 DOD budget may limit new technology development like hypersonics and artificial intelligence (AI)

Related: Lockheed Martin moves forward with hypersonic weapon in Air Force contract worth nearly a billion dollars

Related: The technological challenges of developing reliable, deployable hypersonic weapons

John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics

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