Hegseth Proposes Allocating $3.5 Billion for F-47 in 2026 Financial Plan
In a recent hearing, Pete Hegseth— the Defense Secretary— laid out his vision (and $$$) for the Air Force's 2026 budget, focusing on state-of-the-art technologies for a potential war with China, while jettisoning outdated equipment.
Hegseth set aside $3.5 billion for the highly anticipated F-47 fighter—a next-gen jet that directs drone wingmen around combat zones to confound enemies like China. The House Appropriations Committee's defense panel offered $3.2 billion towards the F-47's development for 2026, with an additional $400 million to expedite production.
According to testimony, the F-47 is slated to become the "most advanced, lethal, and adaptable fighter ever developed," boasting superior stealth, an extended range, and a lower maintenance footprint compared to fifth-generation fighters. However, the F-47's funding could potentially drain resources from the Navy's own next-generation fighter project, F/A-XX[1]. Boeing is due to begin construction on the Air Force's covertive stealth jet, a contract valued at approximately $20 billion[1].
The Air Force is also seeking $804 million for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, which develops AI-backed drone wingmen to boost air power without risking lives. House appropriators have yet to commit to a specific budget allocation for the project[2].
The Air Force's strategic moves don't come without a cost, as Hegseth indicated abandonment of the E-3 air target-tracking plane replacement program. Rather than moving forward with the E-7 Wedgetail, a more advanced airborne warning and control jet, the Air Force will invest in space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance[2]. However, a lawmaker from Oklahoma, whose district houses the remaining E-3s, cautioned against abandoning tried-and-tested technology in favor of unproven space-based alternatives, threatening the E-3's future.
Tensions have risen as the Pentagon delays its $832 billion base budget blueprint by four months, yet the House Appropriations Committee continues to push forward, with plans to vote on its 2026 defense spending bill on June 12[2]. Catchy, huh? Bet America's adversaries are keeping a close eye on all this too. Suckers.
- The Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, is focusing on space-based technology for the Air Force's 2026 budget, envisioning it as a key aspect of warfare against potential adversaries like China.
- A significant portion of the budget, $3.5 billion, is dedicated to the F-47 fighter, a next-gen jet that will direct drone wingmen in combat zones, posing a challenge to enemies.
- Political debate surrounds the F-47, with the House Appropriations Committee offering $3.2 billion for its development in 2026 and an additional $400 million to expedite production.
- The Air Force is also investing in AI-backed drone wingmen through the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, seeking $804 million for its development.
- Controversy arises over the Air Force's strategic choice to invest in space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance rather than updating the E-3 air target-tracking plane, with some lawmakers cautioning against abandoning proven technology in favor of unproven space-based alternatives.
