WASHINGTON – Leaders of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) propose spending $842 billion next year -- an increase of $26 billion from this year. The proposed 2024 DOD budget includes spending for air and missile defenses; hypersonic missiles; artificial intelligence (AI); unmanned systems; surface warships; and combat aircraft.
The budget includes $145 billion for research and development, as well as $170 billion for procurement -- including modernizing U.S. nuclear forces on land, sea, and in the air. The 2024 budget was released on Monday. Fiscal 2024 begins next October 1.
Inside the budget is $61.1 billion for combat aircraft like the F-22, F-35, F-15EX; the B-21 bomber, KC-46A, and unmanned aircraft; construction of nine surface warships, as well as continued funding for Ford class nuclear powered aircraft carriers and Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines.
The budget has $13.9 billion for armored combat vehicles like the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle, Amphibious Combat Vehicle, and Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle.
It has $37.7 billion for the B-21 next-generation bomber program; the second Columbia ballistic missile submarine; the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile. Missile defense has $29.8 billion for the Next Generation Interceptor for Ground-Based Midcourse Defense; regional missile defense network with Patriot Missiles, a Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor, additional ShortRange Air Defense Battalions, and hypersonic weaponry and defenses.
Funding is included for reconnaissance satellites; the THAAD missile defense system; cyber security; and 24 new hypersonic strike missiles. Other DOD budget priorities include wideband and narrowband secure and jam-resistant capabilities; and $300 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
The DOD research and development budget includes $1.8 billion for AI; $1.4 billion for Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2); $17.3 billion for tactical missiles; $7.3 billion for strategic missiles; and $600 million for technology development of the Naval Strike Missile, RIM-174 Standard Missile, Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, Long Range Anti-Ship Missile, and Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile - Extended Range.
The DOD research budget also has $3.7 billion for cyber-secure microgrids with backup power, battery storage, and electrical transmission and distribution improvements; as well as $271 million for Army to modernize next-generation combat vehicles with silent watch and mobility, increased operational duration and more onboard electrical power.
