The US Department of the Air Force has unveiled its budget proposal for 2023, with a strong focus on modernizing its air fleet.
The service is requesting $194 billion for 2023, a nearly seven percent increase over the $182 billion it received for 2022.
The proposal contains significant increases for ongoing and future air force programs, including next-generation aircraft and replacement of the Minuteman III missile system.
The request also noted continued divestments in some platforms to make way for more funding.
According to Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, the 2023 budget request strikes a “sound balance” between meeting the service’s immediate needs and investing in modernized capabilities.
Specifics
The proposed budget seeks a $1.1-billion increase in research, development, testing, and evaluation to modernize the country’s aging, ground-based nuclear deterrent.
It also includes $3.25 billion for continued development and nuclear certification of the B-21 Raider long-range bomber aircraft.
The 2023 proposal also includes funds for 33 F-35A Lightning II fighters, 15 KC-46A Pegasus tankers, 24 F-15EX Eagle II fighters, and other equipment.
One portion of the request includes funds for three National Security Space launches, three additional launches by the Space Development Agency, and two GPS III satellite launches.
Meanwhile, the proposed budget calls for decommissioning 150 aircraft, including older A-10 Warthogs, F-22A Raptors, T-1 Jayhawks, and KC-135 Stratotankers, to allocate more funding for modern aircraft.
Addressing Russian, Chinese Aggression
Kendall explained that the significant boost in funding is part of a concerted effort to address Chinese and Russian aggression and national security threats worldwide.
“This is not the end of a process; rather, this is accelerating a necessary and on-going transformation,” he said. “We will need Congress’ continuing support for this budget and for the hard choices to come as we address our pacing challenge.”
Despite the large increase in the 2023 budget proposal, the secretary noted that the transformation and modernization of the US Air Force has been progressing for many years.
Kendall emphasized the need to ensure current readiness and address the service’s priorities for modernization.