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11h ago

Congressional Deal Boosts Next-Gen Fighters, Protects E-7 in $839 Billion Defense Bill

Appropriators reassert control by coupling added funding with deadlines plus prohibitions to keep programs on track.

Pictured is a U.S. Space Force photo of Lt. Gen. Phil Garrant, the head of Space Systems Command, and Col. Neil Barnas during the latter's assumption of command of the new Systems Delta 831--dedicated to positioning, navigation, and timing programs--on October 2, 2025 at Los Angeles AFB, Calif.
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Army Gen. Randy George, the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army, addresses attendees at the 146th National Guard Association of the United States General Conference, Detroit, Michigan, Aug. 24, 2024. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Zach Sheely)

Overview

  • The conferenced defense appropriations bill totals $839 billion, roughly $8 billion above the administration’s request, and is packaged for votes ahead of a Jan. 30 funding deadline.
  • Lawmakers direct $3.9 billion to sixth-generation aircraft, including about $3.0 billion for the Air Force’s F-47 and $972 million to revive the Navy’s F/A-XX program.
  • The measure prohibits use of funds to pause, cancel, or terminate the Next Generation Fighter and preserves the E-7 Wedgetail program with roughly $900 million in added research and development.
  • The Navy secretary must deliver an F/A-XX acquisition report within 45 days detailing the strategy, spending plan, and timeline for awarding the engineering and manufacturing development contract.
  • Space Force funding is set at $26 billion with a shift to procure two additional GPS IIIF satellites, while appropriators demand detailed budget justifications for the Golden Dome missile defense initiative.