Air, Space Force budgets seek to boost weapons, cut civilian jobs
By Zita Ballinger Fletcher
Aug 19, 2025, 06:16 PM
New weapons are at the forefront of budget priorities for the Air Force and Space Force, while the spending plans seek to slash more than 5,700 civilian jobs, budget documents show. Here, airmen participate in a weapons load competition at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, on Aug. 8. (Staff Sgt. Joshua Hastings/U.S. Air Force)
New weapons and improved technology are at the forefront of budget priorities for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, while the spending plans also seek to slash more than 5,700 civilian jobs and reduce contracting services through billions in spending cuts.
The Air Force will begin procurement of Family Affordable Mass Missiles, or FAMM, a new type of cost-effective, subsonic cruise missile that can strike at long range and can be produced en masse. While the service has been fairly tight-lipped about the FAMM program so far, it is slated to get underway in fiscal 2026 alongside the development of Long Range Anti-Ship missiles and Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missiles with extended range, according to budget documents.
The service’s budget also seeks to boost intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities “while funding Air Force Weapons System Sustainment (WSS) at 85% with mandatory funding,” the service has stated in a release.
Altogether, the Air Force budget represents a $24.9 billion jump — a 13.5% increase — from the previous fiscal year. It plans a 3.8% pay raise for service members and seeks to grow its force strength by 1,500 personnel.
https://www.defensenews.com/air/2025/08/19/air-space-force-budgets-seek-to-boost-weapons-cut-civilian-jobs/
