FY2022 budget request delivers air power spending hit
A F-15EX on the ground at Eglin AFB, Florida. (Photo: USAF)
Unsurprisingly, fifth-generation fighter funding dominates air power spending in the latest US defence budget request, but the retirement of over 200 US Air Force aircraft and a one-year delay to MH-139A helicopter plans are among the more eye catching subplots this time around.
The US DoD FY2022 defence budget request runs at a deficit of $4.5 billion for aircraft procurement and associated items like research and spare parts, compared to FY2021 figures.
Overall, $52.4 billion has been requested for air power spending, marking the lowest level of funding since FY2018 when $49.9 billion was called for.
In line with previous requests, funding for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter far outstrips that of other procurements, with $12 billion requested for 85 aircraft, split between 48 F-35As (USAF), 17 F-35Bs (USMC) and 20 for the Department of the Navy (15 Navy and five USMC).
Additional funding
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
![Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft]()
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
![OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”]()
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
-
![MBDA CEO emphasises “moment of truth” for Europe as company sees €37 billion backlog]()
MBDA CEO emphasises “moment of truth” for Europe as company sees €37 billion backlog
MBDA CEO Éric Béranger stressed the company’s role supporting European countries with complex weapon systems and focused on boosting production against the backdrop of “shifting” geopolitical alliances.
