Full Committee Hearing: Air Force FY27 Budget Request

The U.S. House Armed Services Committee held a full committee hearing on May 21, 2026, to review the Department of the Air Force's Fiscal Year 2027 budget request. The hearing focused extensively on procurement and modernization efforts, including a significant 34% overall budget increase to $338.8 billion, with a 54% increase for modernization and a 23% increase for operations and maintenance. Key procurement topics included accelerated production of munitions, multiyear procurement authorities, and investments in new platforms such as the B-21 bomber, F-47 collaborative combat aircraft, and Sentinel missile systems. The Space Force budget saw a 130% increase to $71.1 billion to support growing mission demands, including new acquisition authorities and infrastructure investments like MILCON projects. Committee members discussed acquisition reform, emphasizing the need for streamlined authorities for portfolio acquisition executives (PAEs) and better industry collaboration. The hearing also addressed recapitalization plans for aging aircraft fleets, unmanned aerial systems, counter-UAS capabilities, and the importance of maintaining readiness and pilot retention. Several members raised concerns about specific programs such as the Sentinel, E-7 airborne battle management aircraft, and the A-10 Warthog's future role. Infrastructure projects, including launch facility upgrades at Vandenberg and support for state spaceports, were also discussed. The committee sought detailed follow-up on procurement plans, budget allocations, and program execution to ensure efficient use of the increased funding and to maintain U.S. air and space superiority.