Air and Space Force Budget Concerns: Calls for Enhanced Funding Amid Modernization Efforts

Air and Space Force Budget Concerns: Calls for Enhanced Funding Amid Modernization Efforts
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 13, 2024

Despite a 1.6 percent increase in the 2025 fiscal year budget for the Air Force, the allocation is deemed insufficient for essential modernization, impacting the Air and Space Forces during a pivotal period for national defense.

The Air and Space Forces Association acknowledges the budget's prioritization efforts, yet it points out significant concerns, including a 2 percent reduction in Space Force funding shortly after its fourth anniversary. This decision, attributed to the Pentagon's prioritization challenges, undermines the Space Force's growth and capabilities.

Key budget decisions include reductions in F-35A and F-15EX fighter jet acquisitions, proposing the retirement of the Air Force's Block 20 F-22 fighters and over 100 other aircraft. This move aims to redirect $2.6 billion towards modernization efforts. Additionally, the budget suggests cutting nearly 10,000 positions across Active, Guard, and Reserve components, a strategy that may require future adjustments to address evolving global threats.

AFA Executive Vice President Maj. Gen. Doug Raaberg, USAF (Ret.), highlights the detrimental impact on the Air Force's fleet size and age, emphasizing the urgency for increased and modernized aircraft procurement to counter sophisticated global threats effectively.

The budget represents a compromise among various priorities, with AFA Chair of the Board Bernie Skoch noting the shortfall in meeting the ambitious objectives outlined at the AFA Warfare Symposium. Despite this, there is strong support for Secretary Frank Kendall's efforts to advance the Air and Space Forces in anticipation of future challenges, particularly those posed by technologically adept adversaries like China.

The $262.6 billion Department of the Air Force budget proposal allocates $188.1 billion to the Air Force and $29.4 billion to the Space Force. However, over 20 percent of this budget, amounting to $45.1 billion, is designated for "pass-through" spending to other intelligence agencies, obscuring the actual investment in air and space capabilities.

This financial strategy raises concerns about the adequacy of funding for the Air and Space Forces, crucial for military support and deterrence against peer competitors. The AFA calls for a reassessment of budget allocations to ensure the Air and Space Forces are adequately funded to fulfill their critical defense roles.