Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman highlighted the critical role of space as the Department of the Air Force unveiled its fiscal year 2027 budget request totaling a record $338.8 billion.
“Space is more vital than ever to our economic prosperity, national security, & the lethality of the Joint Force,” Saltzman posted on X. “The proposed budget is a generational opportunity to position the Space Force to win against growing threats today & tomorrow.”
The Department of the Air Force announcement calls for $267.7 billion for the U.S. Air Force and $71.1 billion for the U.S. Space Force — a 38% overall increase of $92.5 billion compared to the current fiscal year.
The Space Force portion alone represents a 124% increase from the prior year, reflecting the service’s rapid growth to meet evolving threats in the space domain.
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink described the proposal as moving “beyond the trade-off between modernization and readiness,” funding both as concurrent priorities to ensure the force is prepared for current and future challenges.
The request includes major investments in readiness accounts, aircraft procurement, satellite communications, missile warning systems, space control capabilities, and personnel growth of 12,700 Airmen and Guardians.
The full details are outlined in the Department of the Air Force’s official budget rollout materials.