US lawmakers release $839B compromise defense spending bill
Defense News • • nation
Key Points:
- The fiscal 2026 defense budget conference bill allocates $3.9 billion for sixth-generation aircraft, including $3 billion for the Air Force’s F-47 fighter and $972 million for the Navy’s F/A-XX, significantly more than the Pentagon’s original request.
- The bill prevents cancellation of the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail airborne battle management aircraft program, providing $1.1 billion despite Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s earlier skepticism and the Pentagon’s proposed cancellation.
- Funding for F-35 Joint Strike Fighters aligns with the Pentagon’s reduced purchase plan, allocating $7.6 billion for 47 jets in 2026, plus $440 million for spare parts and engine support, focusing on sustain
