DefenseNews

US Army faces flat FY25 budget as personnel costs rise

The U.S. Army’s $185.9 billion fiscal year 2025 budget request increased by just $400 million over the previous year’s request, which would leave the armed service to work within the confines of a almost flat budget while having to address rising military personnel costs, recruiting struggles and wars in Ukraine and Gaza. The service is asking for $175.4 billion in its base budget and another…
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DefenseNews

US Air Force budget request leans toward R&D, trims fighter purchases

The Air Force’s proposed budget for fiscal 2025 would cut procurement of two major fighter programs — the F-35A and F-15EX Eagle II — and boost research and development funding for future capabilities. The service plans to buy 42 Lockheed Martin-made F-35As for $5.9 billion and 18 Boeing F-15EXs for $1.8 billion next year. That would be a reduction from the 48 and 24 fighters, respectively…
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DefenseNews

US Army to stand up cross-functional team for deep sensing

The U.S. Army will stand up a cross-functional team within its modernization branch to develop deep sensing capabilities, according to Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George. More details will come toward the end of the month when Army Futures Command commander Gen. Jim Rainey…
DefenseNews

US Army’s air defense modernization boss on missiles, machine learning

In recent months, U.S. Army leaders have made it clear air defense is a top priority now and into the future. The service has spent more than a decade modernizing its ability to counter missiles, rockets, artillery, mortars and drones. Helping accelerate this effort and bring programs to fruition is Army Futures Command’s Air and Missile Defense Cross-Functional Team, led by Col. William…
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DefenseNews

Drones, robotic tech pose threat to US nuclear security, general says

The ballooning use of unmanned technologies including drones has consequences for the U.S. nuclear stockpile and associated infrastructure, according to the leader of Strategic Command. Militaries and extremist groups around the world are deploying drones and other robotic technology to collect intelligence, aid targeting and even attack from relative safety. Learning how to intercept and…
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