The Department of the Air Force has requested a budget of $217.5 billion for fiscal year 2025, with $188.1 billion allocated to the Air Force and $29.4 billion to the Space Force. This budget is aimed at modernizing both branches, maintaining readiness to respond to current threats, and addressing key capability gaps. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall emphasized the importance of adequate funding for the military to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The budget proposal for FY 2025 was designed to support each service’s unique mission. The Air Force’s core functions include air superiority, global strike, rapid global mobility, command and control, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The Space Force is focused on providing support for joint operations and transforming into a warfighting service to secure interests in space. The budget request includes investments in enhancing competitive capabilities, maintaining air domain lethality, ensuring global strike capabilities, and investing in readiness and modernization.
Acknowledging economic factors, the budget proposal also includes allocations for inflation and rising fuel costs, as well as initiatives to improve the quality of life for Airmen and Guardians. This includes a 4.5 percent pay raise, bonus and retention programs for critically skilled positions, and investments in satellite communications, space superiority, and the Next Generation Air Dominance Family of Systems. The budget represents the Department’s priorities for maintaining national security and interests.
Overall, the Department of the Air Force’s budget request for FY 2025 reflects a strategic approach to modernizing and maintaining readiness in the Air Force and Space Force. The proposed budget includes investments in key capabilities, addressing capability gaps, and ensuring the competitiveness of the military in a rapidly changing global environment. The budget also prioritizes quality of life for personnel and retention of critical skills, demonstrating a commitment to supporting and strengthening the nation’s defense capabilities.
