The House and Senate have reached a consensus on the fiscal 2026 defense budget, resulting in a spending plan that significantly increases funding for the Navy’s F/A-XX fighter and the Air Force’s F-47 aircraft. This spending bill, which amounts to $839 billion, aims to enhance the military’s capabilities with next-generation technology.
According to the House Appropriations Committee, the budget allocates $3.9 billion for sixth-generation aircraft, consisting of $3 billion for the Air Force’s F-47 fighter, developed by Boeing, and $972 million for the Navy’s F/A-XX. These figures surpass the Pentagon’s initial request, which proposed nearly $2.6 billion for the F-47 and a mere $74 million for the F/A-XX.
The F-47, also known as Next Generation Air Dominance, is poised to replace the F-22 Raptor. It is designed to operate alongside autonomous drone wingmen, termed collaborative combat aircraft, while offering advanced stealth features and greater range than its predecessors, the F-22 and F-35.
Another key aspect of the bill is the continuation of the Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail program, which had been at risk of cancellation. Despite skepticism from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who favored a space-based system, congressional appropriators have decided to allocate $1.1 billion to maintain the E-7, which is already in use by Australia and other allies.
The proposed reduction in the number of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters is also reflected in the bill, aligning with the Pentagon’s plans. In 2026, the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps will collectively purchase 47 F-35s, a decrease from the 75 units bought in 2025. The budget provides $7.6 billion for these aircraft and an additional $440 million for spare parts, including those for the F135 engine.
The Pentagon intends to reallocate funds from F-35 purchases towards sustaining the jets, enhancing the supply chain, and ensuring the timely completion of Block 4 upgrades. These upgrades, although behind schedule and over budget, are crucial for expanding the F-35’s weaponry, electronic warfare capabilities, and sensor systems.
Furthermore, the bill boosts funding for the EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft by $474 million, facilitating the acquisition of two additional planes. It also includes $1.9 billion for the B-21 Raider, a sixth-generation stealth bomber developed by Northrop Grumman.
The Navy’s shipbuilding program receives a substantial boost with $27.2 billion earmarked for the construction of 17 vessels. This includes a Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, two Virginia-class fast attack submarines, three medium landing ships, and an anti-submarine warfare ship. The conference bill increases spending on Columbia- and Virginia-class subs by $5.9 billion.
Lastly, the bill fully funds the Air Force’s LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program, ensuring continued development and deployment.
