Defending American shores is proving big business, and the Defense Department is asking for more cash from the federal government in Washington.
The White House on Monday officially released the broad details of President Donald Trump’s fiscal 2021 budget request, which seeks a colossal $740.5 billion for national defense. The budget proposal for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1 is being submitted to Congress on Monday.
The Pentagon is asking for $705.4 billion in its fiscal 2021 budget, $13 billion less than what Congress gave the armed forces in fiscal 2020. The whopping sum consists of, in part:
$15.1 billion for tactical fighter programs, procuring 115 advanced fighter aircraft, and fully supporting the modernization of one armored brigade combat team per year.
$19.3 billion to buy 10 new battle force and unmanned ships, including the recapitalization of the strategic ballistic missile submarine fleet with the first Columbia-class SSBN.
$111 million to fund essential personnel growth for the Pentagon’s Space Force.
$14 billion for research, development, test and evaluation, the Pentagon’s largest-ever request in industries of the future such as artificial intelligence, 5g and hypersonic weapons.
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