The budget allocation and priorities of the U.S. Department of Defense reflect its strategic goals and threat perceptions. In recent years, the Pentagon has emphasized the need to divest less relevant legacy systems and programs to free up resources for advanced technologies and capabilities critical for high-end warfare. This is driven by the rising military power of China and Russia. The budget request for FY2023 continues this trend, with a strong focus on strengthening nuclear and conventional deterrence against Beijing and Moscow.
Nuclear modernization remains a top priority
The Pentagon’s FY2023 budget includes $34.4 billion for nuclear enterprise modernization across all three legs of the nuclear triad. This includes continued funding for new Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, B-21 stealth bombers, and the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program. Modernizing aging nuclear forces is seen as vital for maintaining credible deterrence amid growing threats.
Prioritizing advanced technologies for high-end warfare
The budget request features the largest R&D funding in history at $130.1 billion, a 9.5% increase from FY2022. Key investments include hypersonics, microelectronics, 5G, artificial intelligence, and shoring up vulnerable supply chains. The goal is to develop cutting-edge capabilities for potential conflict with near-peer rivals.
Emphasis on long-range precision fires
The budget includes $24.7 billion for missiles and munitions, with focus on boosting stockpiles of advanced long-range hypersonic and precision strike weapons. This provides US forces standoff capability to destroy high value targets in contested environments.
Increased funding for space and cyber domains
The request features $27.6 billion for space systems and $11.2 billion for cyber activities. This reflects the expanding role of space and cyber in modern warfare. Key investments include resilient satellite constellations and strengthening cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.
Realigning resources for vital capabilities
The Pentagon aims to save $26 billion in FY2023 through reform initiatives and reprioritization. This allows realigning expenditures towards new technologies and force readiness. However, divesting legacy systems faces resistance as it impacts defense jobs and industries.
The FY2023 budget request reflects the Pentagon’s strategic shift towards high-end deterrence and warfighting capabilities relevant for potential conflict with China and Russia. Nuclear modernization, advanced technologies, long-range fires, space, and cyber are key focus areas. This requires divesting less relevant legacy programs to invest in vital future capabilities.